What is Reynolds really saying with anti-DEI push?

Kim Reynolds seemed to enjoy posting her letter reminding university presidents about the elimination of “Illegal” DEI initiatives at Iowa public universities. I get the impression she does not care that it shows her true character and that of the Iowa GOP. This wording appears to reveal her actual feelings to make it “legal” to restrict diversity, not be equitable and therefore not be inclusive.

Instead of a focusing last week on Donald Trump’s blanket pardoning of criminals who attacked and beat capital police officers, threatened the life of Vice President Mike Pence and Speaker of the U.S. House Nancy Pelosi, and threatened our democracy, Reynolds goes after those among us who they perceive as not really being welcome.

We should not forget that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is defined as an “effort to create a set of values and related policies and practices focused on establishing a culture of equitable and inclusive treatment and on attracting and retaining a diverse group of participants, including people who have historically been excluded or discriminated against.” I grew up with Republican Gov. Robert Ray convincing Iowans to welcome immigrants from around the world and I used to think that this is how people of this state also felt.

DEI was never “Illegal,” but this appears to be the case for Reynolds and GOP legislators as they push this language out to the public. We all need to be aware of what they are really saying.

Bret Nilles

Marion