Iowa Board of Regents update strategic plan, eliminate DEI language

The Iowa Board of Regents voted to update their 2022-2027 strategic plan on Jan. 15, eliminating language related to diversity, equity and inclusion. “This plan was developed over the course of several months with engagement of all then-board members and campus leaders,” a board document stated in Wednesday’s agenda. “As with all strategic plans, it was intended as a living document that would serve as a guidepost for the board’s work and for the universities in the development of their own plans. Since that time, multiple state laws have influenced the scope and direction of some aspects of the board.” Key updates include adjustments mandated by Senate File 2435, which requires the elimination of all diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) functions and positions not explicitly supported by state or federal law or accreditation standards. Additionally, the plan reflects changes introduced by Senate File 2096, which repeals the state law provision mandating gender balance on all state boards and commissions. “I think there's some really very specific things in there that would really help us as we're dealing with the legislature, to show the process and where the universities are at,” said Regent Christine Hensley, during the meeting. Under the section regarding the board’s core values, mission and vision, the plan redlined “diverse and inclusive experiences,” replacing it with “high-impact academic experiences.”

And, “Respectful interaction among members of diverse backgrounds, culture and beliefs in nurturing environments shall empower critical thinking, free inquiry, open communication and broad participation” now reads “Respectful interaction shall empower critical thinking, free inquiry, and open communication and broad participation." Under “metrics and goals" for student educational and career goals, the board previously stressed a focus on first generation, underrepresented and non-traditional students for the universities’ onboarding programs for incoming students; after the update, the word “underrepresented” will be removed. Underserved students were again removed from the section detailing the five-year goals to expand online programs. The outlined initiatives aim to align with campus expertise and market demands that previously expressed a commitment to enhancing opportunities for these student groups. Additionally, the plan erased an objective that would “Enhance the institutional efforts to have the workforce be more reflective of the student body.” The board voted unanimously in favor of the proposed updates.