Uniformity, inequity and exclusion in Iowa

Gov. Kim Reynolds is “appalled.” Attorney General Brenna Bird, and elected Republicans are in a state of righteous indignation. All of this due to an edited interview of a UI administrator, broadcast on Fox News, indicating that UI is working around the anti Diversity, Equity and Inclusion law (Iowa Code Chapter 261J and Chapter 19).

Their comments follow the general sentiment of the president of the Board of Regents, who proclaimed, “Following the law is not optional, nor is working around the law.” UI President Barbara Wilson responded in kind, saying ”I want to assure you that the University of Iowa takes these allegations with the utmost seriousness.” (KCRG news)

Any non-administrative employee of a large company/organization can testify that the institution will look the other way, ignore policies, and skirt the law (if not break it) if it’s in their best interest. In this way, the University of Iowa and the Iowa government (no matter the party) are much the same. The UI administrator who gave the interview simply (and unwisely) said the quiet part out loud. It’s all hypocrisy and noise. But this particular outrage is fueled by something more nefarious.

Today Republicans, following the lead and executive order of Donald Trump (Jan. 22, 2025), have created a DEI monster. It's ugly, scary and a complete fantasy build on white grievance. Republicans fear it even more than a 12-year-old trans person. My question is, if Republicans are so against DEI, then what are they for? Since no viable alternative has been offered, one must assume they’re for the opposite: UIE — Uniformity, Inequity and Exclusion.

Let’s be clear. DEI programs have often been flawed and far from perfect. In spite of sincere efforts of those on the ground, DEI programs suffered from inadequate institutional support, negligence and unintended consequences. But at least there was a basic acknowledgment that historic, deep-rooted inequities in our economic and cultural structures exist. And again, acting in their own self interests, universities and state governments once understood that promoting DEI was enriching and an important part of recruiting the best and brightest.

We are now in a moment when hard gained rights are being stripped away. One of the tools for this backward swing is to ignore our full history and to disenfranchise the “other”; minorities, LGTBQ folks and immigrants. Instead of Fox News red meat, I wish our Republican officials would save their outrage for real problems, like health care, housing, water quality (in Iowa), the environment, cost of living, hunger, etc., etc. Ignoring these issues will not make them go away. Like a true monster, they will fester, grow and come back to harm us all.

Author and historian Dr. Jeremi Suri writes, “Democracies do not come together when they glorify their past but when they strive to repair it.” We must strive to repair the unfinished work. Promote diversity, build equity and include everyone in the American dream.

James Dreier lives in Iowa City.