Iowa House Higher Education Committee passes bills to restrict DEI, hiring practices

February 12, 2026 - 06:23

A key legislative committee in Iowa has passed a pair of significant bills aimed at altering operations within the state's public universities and community colleges. The measures, which now move to the full House for consideration, focus on diversity initiatives and administrative hiring procedures.

One bill seeks to restrict the use of state and federal funds for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices and activities at these institutions, unless such funding is explicitly required for accreditation or specific federal programs. Proponents argue this will refocus resources on what they term "core academic missions."

A second, separate bill addresses hiring practices, requiring regent universities to base employment decisions "exclusively" on merit and experience, while prohibiting consideration of ideological pledges or statements during the hiring process for most positions. Additionally, this legislation includes provisions to standardize and streamline the transfer of career and technical education credits from community colleges to state universities, a move intended to support workforce development pathways.

The committee's approval sets the stage for broader debate in the legislature, with supporters viewing the changes as necessary for efficiency and ideological neutrality, while opponents express concerns about the potential impact on campus climate and inclusive recruitment.