State lawmakers to review higher education, DEI programs [Video]

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – On Wednesday the Iowa Board of Regents—which oversees the state’s three public universities— approved updates to a document outlining its plans for coming years.

The Regents needed to make these adjustments to comply with changes to state law. Last year, Governor Reynolds signed a law that bans universities from having an office for diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Now, a new House committee will go further and conduct a comprehensive review of higher education.

“If we get rid of these programs, the disparities are going to be greater,” said Sarika Bhakta, president of Nikeya Consulting, which works with colleges and universities.

Bhakta said programs that support diversity go beyond race and gender.

“It could be veterans. It could be your low-income students. It could be first generation college students. It could also be your rural families.”

She adds these policies create an atmosphere where everyone feels …