University of Iowa prepares to remove DEI policies

The University of Iowa reported that a plan is underway to close two of its departments - specifically, American Studies and Gender, Women's and Sexuality Studies. This is part of a push to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies and redefine the school's approach to these subjects.

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS, which is leading the initiative, released a statement saying it will propose a new area be created to replace the two departments in question. Several other companies, agencies and institutions are banishing DEI policies from their philosophies and structures.

"Under the proposed plan, the university would close the departments of American Studies and Gender, Women's and Sexuality Studies, as well as the current majors in American Studies and Social Justice, which have fewer than 60 combined students, and create a new major in Social and Cultural Analysis," the University of Iowa explained.

This move, which would serve to turn away from the partisan view of the progressive agenda, would lead the University of Iowa to "build on our considerable legacy in areas essential to our mission, while creating more sustainable structures and space for innovative new curricula," said Sara Sanders, dean of CLAS.

"Under this proposed plan, the school would have a single leadership team dedicated to overseeing program operations," said Roland Racevskis, associate dean of CLAS.

The University of Iowa is the latest university to oppose DEI policies. For a year now, in Florida, state authorities - led by Governor Ron DeSantis - have been pushing for certain measures to end DEI policies in education. One example was the University of Florida, which closed its office dedicated to the development and implementation of diversity initiatives.