This bill amends Iowa Code chapter 261J to include community colleges as public institutions of higher education, thereby subjecting them to the same regulations regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as other state-governed institutions. Specifically, it prohibits these institutions from establishing DEI offices, requiring individuals to submit DEI statements, or providing preferential treatment based on such statements. The bill clarifies that these prohibitions do not apply if mandated by federal or state law or accreditation standards.

Additionally, the bill mandates that public institutions of higher education, including community colleges, must submit annual compliance reports to the general assembly and the governor, with enforcement of these provisions falling under the jurisdiction of the attorney general. This legislative change aims to standardize the approach to DEI initiatives across public higher education institutions in Iowa.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 261J.1