This bill prohibits private institutions of higher education in Iowa that participate in the Iowa tuition grant program from establishing, sustaining, supporting, or staffing diversity, equity, and inclusion offices. The bill defines a diversity, equity, and inclusion office as any unit responsible for creating or promoting policies and activities related to these concepts, while also clarifying that certain activities, such as academic instruction and mental health services, are not affected by this prohibition. The bill allows for exceptions if required by federal or state law or accreditation standards.

Additionally, the bill establishes a reporting mechanism for potential violations, allowing individuals to report concerns to the attorney general. Upon receiving a report, the attorney general must notify the institution and the department of education within 15 days. The institution then has 30 days to either correct the violation or provide evidence that no violation occurred. Failure to comply will result in the institution's ineligibility to participate in the Iowa tuition grant program for the following academic year, although eligibility can be restored if corrective actions are taken by October 1 of that academic year.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 256.183