Iowa universities to shutter DEI programs, increase civics education [Video]

AMES, Iowa (Gray Television Iowa Capitol Bureau) – Thursday, presidents from Iowa’s three public universities told the Board of Regents how they’re overhauling Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs on campus.

All three Iowa universities are closing their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion offices. The savings from the University of Iowa and Iowa State University closing these offices is more than a million dollars. This comes on the heels of a mandate from the legislature and Board of Regents to overhaul DEI programs and enhance civics education.

DEI positions that are necessary for accreditation or compliance with state and federal law will not be impacted.

University of Iowa President Barbara Wilson says the university is starting a civic dialogue initiative pilot program next fall.

They plan to train Resident Assistants, or RAs, to teach students to talk to each other across differences. “This initiative will really get students to think about how do you come to the table? How do you …