In response to ongoing legislative changes, the Iowa Board of Regents is set to revise its strategic plan for 2022-2027, with significant modifications regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). These changes, highlighted in documents made public recently, reflect broader adjustments following new laws enacted by the state’s Republican legislature and governor over the past two years.
The planned revisions aim to align the Board of Regents’ strategy with state and federal regulations, which have necessitated the removal of specific DEI language and guidelines. Notably, the updated strategic plan will eliminate references to the Iowa School for the Deaf and Iowa Educational Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, as well as the requirement for gender balance on boards and commissions.
These adjustments come after the passage of three important bills that reshaped the landscape for DEI initiatives in Iowa. Two of these, Senate File 514 and Senate File 2096, transitioned certain educational services under the state’s Department of Education and revoked gender balance requirements. Additionally, Senate File 2435, passed in 2024, restricts universities from maintaining DEI offices that are not mandated by law or needed for accreditation, prompting the University of Iowa, University of Northern Iowa, and Iowa State University to restructure their respective DEI roles proactively.
The revisions to the strategic plan replace terms like “diverse and inclusive” with “high-impact academic” and remove various references to underrepresented student groups. The changes also modify the board’s core values, reflecting the shift in focus away from inclusivity toward a more generalized approach.
The Board of Regents is expected to finalize and vote on this revised document during their meeting scheduled for January 15.
These developments illustrate the ongoing debate surrounding DEI initiatives within education systems. While they reflect the current political climate and institutional compliance, it’s important to consider how these changes will impact future educational experiences and opportunities for students of diverse backgrounds.
Looking ahead, there is hope that continued dialogue and community engagement will foster an inclusive educational environment, despite the legislative landscape. As institutions adapt to shifting policy mandates, there is potential for innovative approaches to emerge that honor diversity in different forms while aligning with new regulations.