The Freedom from Indoctrination Act aims to prohibit certain academic requirements related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and critical race theory at public institutions of higher education in Iowa. The bill establishes definitions for key terms and mandates that the state board of regents ensure that students are not required to enroll in courses that include diversity, equity, inclusion, and critical race theory-related content to fulfill any academic degree program requirements. Additionally, faculty members cannot be required or incentivized to incorporate such content into their courses as a condition for approval or performance assessments, with specific exemptions for programs focused on racial, ethnic, or gender studies.

The legislation also allows individuals to report potential violations to the attorney general, who can take action to enforce compliance. Importantly, the bill clarifies that it does not restrict the academic freedom of instructors to teach their courses or engage in free discussions. The provisions of this Act will apply to academic years starting on or after July 1, 2026.