April 29th 2024.
The state of Iowa has recently announced plans to close the DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) offices at its three public universities in the summer of 2024. This decision was made following a directive from the university's board of regents in November 2023 to cut spending on DEI initiatives. Needless to say, this news has caused quite a stir among the university staff, who are concerned about potential job losses.
According to The Des Moines Register, the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and the University of Northern Iowa have been working to comply with the board's decision. This includes eliminating DEI offices and positions, and instead focusing on providing campus services to all students while promoting diversity of thought and multiple perspectives.
At the University of Iowa, this realignment has resulted in the creation of two new divisions within the overarching Division of Access, Opportunity, and Diversity. These divisions will handle accreditation requirements and compliance with state and federal laws. University President Barbara Wilson emphasizes the importance of students learning to work through ideological differences, stating that it is a fundamental aspect of a university's mission to bring together students from all backgrounds and walks of life.
Meanwhile, at Iowa State University, President Wendy Wintersteen has also announced plans to eliminate the Vice-President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion office in July. The university is also complying with the state's directive to eliminate the sharing of pronouns and any promotional materials that highlight the school's programs as being specifically for certain groups of students. Wintersteen is working to strike a balance between supporting student education and creating a welcoming environment for all students.
During a meeting with the school's board of regents in April, Wintersteen raised eyebrows when she discussed the university's history as a land-grant institution and stated that the school welcomes all students regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic status. She went on to say that the university has always strived to provide a sense of belonging for all students, regardless of their background.
When reached for comment, the President's office at Iowa State responded with a prewritten statement and encouraged media outlets to watch the full presentation. The statement highlighted the university's history of welcoming all students and creating an inclusive community.
At the University of Northern Iowa, a similar realignment is taking place. The Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Justice office and the Chief Diversity Officer position will be eliminated, and a new civics education center will be established. University President Mark Nook believes that this center will help create nationally recognized leaders in research, teaching, and public outreach in the areas of free speech and civic education. He also notes that the university has a strong foundation in training teachers and is well-positioned to take on this new initiative.
As reported by The Des Moines Register, the Iowa State Legislature recently passed a bill that prohibits universities from starting, maintaining, or funding DEI offices or positions unless required by law. Although the university presidents have publicly supported this bill, faculty and staff do not agree. At Iowa State, a petition has been circulated in protest of the bill, with some faculty members attaching letters to their signatures. These letters express the importance of providing support for marginalized individuals and creating a welcoming and inclusive campus environment.
One such letter was written by Deni Chamberlain, an associate professor at the university's Greenlee School of Journalism. She emphasizes the need to make sure all students feel valued and have a sense of belonging. Kody Henke, the assistant director of Iowa State's Office of Student Assistance and former co-chair of the university's LQBTQA+ Faculty and Staff Association, also wrote a letter in support of Nicci Port, the coordinator of Iowa State's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Outreach and Community Engagement. Port's position is set to be eliminated in the university's realignment, and Henke praises her for the positive impact she has had on the university community through her advocacy efforts. He also mentions the importance of visual representation for marginalized students, as it helps create a sense of acceptance and community.
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