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Bill > HF855
IA HF855
IA HF855A bill for an act prohibiting community colleges from establishing diversity, equity, and inclusion offices and engaging in certain other activities relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion.(Formerly HSB 61.)
summary
Introduced
03/07/2025
03/07/2025
In Committee
04/03/2025
04/03/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
91st General Assembly
Bill Summary
This bill provides that a public institution of higher education for purposes of Code chapter 261J, relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion, includes a community college. Code chapter 261J generally prohibits public institutions of higher education from establishing diversity, equity, and inclusion offices, as defined in Code chapter 261J; requiring a person to provide a diversity, equity, or inclusion statement; or giving preferential treatment to any person based on the provisions of such a statement. The prohibitions do not apply if otherwise provided by federal or state law or accreditation standards. Code chapter 261J requires annual reports to the general assembly and governor on compliance by public institutions of higher education and provides for enforcement by the attorney general.
AI Summary
This bill expands the definition of "public institution of higher education" in Iowa law to explicitly include community colleges alongside institutions governed by the state board of regents. By doing so, the bill extends the existing provisions of Code chapter 261J to community colleges, which prohibit higher education institutions from establishing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices, requiring DEI statements from individuals, or providing preferential treatment based on such statements. The prohibition has some exceptions for requirements mandated by federal or state law or accreditation standards. The bill is part of a broader effort to limit DEI initiatives in Iowa's public higher education system, requiring annual compliance reports to the general assembly and governor, with potential enforcement by the attorney general. This change means that community colleges will now be subject to the same restrictions on DEI activities and offices as other state-governed higher education institutions.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (0)
No sponsors listed
Other Sponsors (1)
Higher Education (House)
Last Action
Referred to Higher Education. H.J. 896. (on 04/03/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF855 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/attachments/HF855.html |
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