The Iowa House of Representatives passed a series of bills last week aimed at reforming the state’s higher education system, including measures to limit diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and ensure tuition transparency. Rep. Craig Williams (R-Manning) reported that the House debated 54 bills last week, bringing the total number of bills considered this session to nearly 150. Among them were several higher education reforms, including the Freedom from Indoctrination Act, which prevents universities from requiring students to take courses promoting DEI-related content, and the Core Curriculum Act, which establishes standard general education requirements at regent universities. Another measure, the College Affordability Act, requires tuition rates to be set by April 30 each year and mandates at least one work-study program at each regent university. The Replacing DEI with MEI Act redirects state-funded DEI efforts toward merit, excellence, and intelligence-based initiatives. Other key legislation passed last week included a statewide ban on cell phone use during instructional time in schools and a requirement for schools to assess students’ math proficiency three times per year. Williams will attend the Carroll Chamber of Commerce Legislative Forum at Kuemper Catholic High School in Carroll alongside Sen. Jason Schultz (R-Schleswig) on Saturday, March 29.
