DEI legislation was passed to protect ideas from interference

Todd Dorman writes more snark than truth in his recent column titled "Watch what you say. CSI DEI is on the case in Iowa." He ridicules those he sees as ideological opponents, but misses the substance of their arguments.

Dorman claims that the legislature and the Regents are trying to ban ideas from universities. In fact, the goal of recent legislation and Board of Regents actions is political neutrality from university administration so that faculty and students can explore ideas without interference. This goal is outlined in the famous Kalven Report from the University of Chicago, which was published in 1967 and has recently been affirmed by many other universities, including Iowa's Regent universities.

As our university faculty members freely express their ideas, it becomes more and more apparent that our professors are not ideologically diverse. In subject areas where politics are relevant, our students deserve to hear a variety of points of view. In areas where politics are irrelevant, students should be free to learn subject material without the intrusion of political advocacy. Iowa taxpayers deserve to know that their money is being spent on instruction that is balanced and useful.

These are common sense goals, not "speech police" or "CSI DEI." The Iowa Legislature spoke clearly on university policy this year, and voters approved. Universities will be better able to produce and disseminate knowledge in a free and intellectually diverse environment.

David Barker

Iowa City