The proposed legislation establishes a School of Intellectual Freedom as an independent academic unit within the University of Iowa, specifically located in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The school is tasked with conducting teaching and research focused on the historical ideas, traditions, and texts that have shaped the American constitutional order and society. It will offer instruction on subjects such as the intellectual foundations of free societies, the principles of the American constitutional order, and the foundations of responsible leadership and informed citizenship. The school is also expected to promote values of free speech and civil discourse, expand intellectual diversity, and foster civic engagement among students and faculty.

The bill outlines the governance structure of the school, including the establishment of bylaws, the employment of at least five tenure-eligible faculty members, and the creation of an academic council to assist in selecting a dean. The dean will have exclusive authority over faculty recruitment, curriculum development, and inviting guest speakers, while also being responsible for submitting an annual report on the school's achievements to the governor, the general assembly, and the board of regents. Additionally, the school is permitted to accept private donations and must ensure that all funds are used solely for its direct operations.