What's the matter with Iowa? As if promoting religious bigotry isn't enough, House trashes public university DEI programs

Photo credits:  Iowa House of Representatives

Headline:  Des Moines Register, 2/29/2024

Much of the discussion focused on diversity, equity and inclusion programs at the University of Iowa, Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa. 

"Whether they were created with good intentions or not, it has become clear that they now are ideological enforcement centers that suppress the pursuit of truth and, most importantly, merit," said the bill's floor manager, Rep. Taylor Collins, R-Mediapolis. 

House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst, D-Windsor Heights, said she's concerned about the "political motivations" behind the bill. 

"It clearly is a political bill," she said. "It clearly is a bill that creates more inefficiencies, increases costs, reduces services and puts the accreditation of our regents institutions at risk."

Related posts: 

2024

State Senate passes bill promoting discrimination on religious grounds.  (2/21/2024)

Bad optics of the all-white membership of the Board of Regents.  (11/17/2023)