Des Moines, Iowa (RI) — The Iowa Senate has passed a bill that would prohibit diversity, equity and inclusion offices or staff in city and county governments. Republicans supported the bill. Democrats opposed it.
The bill says local governments cannot issue statements in support of DEI policies and should not provide special benefits based on race, color, ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation. Republican Senator Cherielynn Westrich of Ottumwa says hiring individuals based on certain characteristics is part of DEI and should be eliminated.
Senator Liz Bennett, a Democrat from Cedar Rapids, says diversity, equity and inclusion are principles that make communities stronger.
The bill includes an exception for law enforcement training that include information about preventing bias in policing. The Iowa House has passed a different bill that would forbid state tax dollars from being spent on DEI staff, offices, programs, courses or initiatives at public and private colleges and universities in the state.
KIWA Staff Photo
