Bill > SF127

Introduced Session

This bill establishes a school of intellectual freedom (school) as an independent academic unit within the university of Iowa (university). The school shall be physically located in the college of liberal arts and sciences. The school shall conduct teaching and research in the historical ideas, traditions, and texts that have shaped the American constitutional order and society. The bill authorizes the state board of regents (board) to name the school in accordance with any philanthropic naming policies or practices of the board or university. The bill provides functions of the school, including instruction on specified subjects, offering university-wide programming related to the values of free speech and civil discourse, and working to expand the intellectual diversity of the university’s academic community and foster civic engagement among university students and faculty. The bill authorizes the school to offer courses; develop certificate, minor, and major programs as well as graduate programs; and offer degrees. The bill requires the school to establish bylaws and specifies certain subjects that must be included in the bylaws. The bill authorizes the school to accept and administer private and external donations and gifts. The bill provides that any moneys appropriated to the school, and any private and external donations to the school, shall be used only for the direct operation of the school and shall not be used for any indirect costs of the university. The bill requires the university to employ at least five tenure-eligible faculty members to provide instruction through the school. Faculty members appointed to the school may hold joint appointments to other academic units. The bill provides that faculty members who are not appointed to the school shall have no authority to approve, deny, or modify the terms of appointment of faculty to the school. The bill requires the board to establish an academic council no later than December 31, 2025, for the purpose of assisting in the selection of a dean of the school. The bill provides for membership and procedures of the council. The bill provides that the board shall select and appoint the dean from a list of finalists submitted by the council. The bill provides duties of the dean, including recruitment, hiring, and termination of employment of school faculty and staff; overseeing, developing, and approving the curriculum, courses, and programs of the school; and inviting guest speakers to the university on behalf of the school. The bill requires the dean to consult with the dean of the college of liberal arts and sciences when carrying out the dean’s duties. The bill provides that the dean shall report directly to the president of the university or a designee of the president. The bill provides that the dean shall be eligible for tenure. The bill requires the dean to submit an annual report to the governor, the general assembly, and the board of regents regarding the school.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Kerry Gruenhagen (R)*, 

Committee report approving bill, renumbered as SF 519. S.J. 423. (on 03/05/2025)

Official Document