Iowa’s anti-DEI law is about politics, not education

Republicans in the Iowa Legislature got their wish. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion offices have closed on the campuses of three state universities.

At some point during the last few years, Republicans decided that universities’ efforts to welcome and support students, including those from historically underrepresented groups who have faced racism and unfair treatment, is “woke.”

“For too long, the DEI bureaucracies at our institutions of higher education have been used to impose ideological conformity and promote far left political activism … all while spending literally millions in the process,” Rep. Taylor Collins, R-Mediapolis, said in 2023, explaining his views on legislation to halt the DEI practices.

“They push this woke agenda on faculty. They push it on staff. But most importantly, they push on the students,” Collins said.

Many students who were helped by DEI efforts to navigate the university and embrace its diversity were not being indoctrinated. They were being prepared to live in an increasing diverse nation and work alongside diverse co-workers. The main agenda was student success.

But Republicans have decided winning a phony culture war while scoring political points are more important. The contend white students are uncomfortable learning about racism and diversity stifles free speech.

We have no problem adding political and philosophic diversity to the list. Free speech should be values. But these shouldn’t be the only focus of diversity efforts.

So, on their orders from lawmakers and Iowa Board of Regents eager to please the GOP, which controls the Legislature and governor’s office, DEI has gone dark at worst, and at best still is seeking to hold together pieces of DEI to make quiet progress.

The shortsightedness of this effort to drive out DEI is remarkable. In a state facing a chronic shortage of workers, sending the message some people aren’t welcome or won’t find the support system they hoped for, slamming the door on DEI is a big mistake. It jeopardizes economic development, the recruitment of top educators and efforts to bring students in.

A survey of 1,000 businesses in 15 counties by global consultant McKinsey found that more than half businesses see DEI as a positive. And the success of workplace efforts has led to higher profits.

Private businesses with DEI programs may be next for legislative punishment. Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird and others have threatened to pull state investments and business away from companies that invest in socially responsible businesses.

We urge lawmakers to revisit its regents DEI edict and refrain from seeking to micromanage companies that make responsible investments. These are the best choices in the long run.

(319) 398-8262; editorial@thegazette.com