Latest news with #IowaBoardofRegents
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Iowa Board of Regents hears opposition to proposed DEI policy from students, state officials
The Iowa Board of Regents read for the first time a policy that would bar required university courses with "substantial" DEI content. (Photo by Brooklyn Draisey/Iowa Capital Dispatch) Members of the Iowa Board of Regents told the public Wednesday they are listening and slowing down the process of implementing new board policy relating to diversity, equity and inclusion in classroom instruction. Regents said whatever policy is eventually approved might look different than its current form. Regent David Barker said a proposed policy barring universities from requiring students to take courses with 'substantial content that conveys DEI or CRT (critical race theory)' to earn their credentials, with pathways to certain course exceptions, 'will be an important first step' in preventing the teaching of controversial ideas as fact and raising confidence in higher education once again. The board discussed the policy in its June 11 meeting, the first of two readings ahead of a vote for approval in July. Under the proposed policy, students could not be required to take courses with 'substantial content' covering areas 'as primary principals' that include topics like antiracism, allyship, microaggressions, types of biases or privileges, social justice, critical race theory and systematic oppression, marginalization or gender theory, among others. Mark Braun, executive director of the board of regents, acknowledged during discussion the vagueness behind the term 'substantial,' but said board staff will work with the institutions to more clearly define it and demonstrate where it should apply as the policy is implemented. He emphasized that this policy would only apply to required courses and not electives. 'To a large extent, this will help highlight just how many academic programs do not require courses that meet the substantial standard,' Braun said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Also included in the policy is an option for seeking exemption, Braun said, as the board understands some courses must include this content for different reasons. According to the policy draft, universities can submit which majors, minors and certificates should be exempted from the rules 'each even-numbered year, no later than June 30.' The board must approve these requests. Regent Christine Hensley and Barker said during the meeting they learned from the emails sent after the suggested policy was released by concerned parties, some of which Barker said were 'a bit on the arrogant and pompous side' or 'showed a misunderstanding of the policy.' However, what helpful information he said he received helped him determine that a better version of this first-draft policy could be developed. Reynolds vetoes $1.5 million for UNI tuition program The goal behind the policy is not to subdue a certain point of view, Barker said, but to prevent attempts on both sides of the political spectrum to present 'contested, controversial ideas as settled fact.' When the policy was first released, Hensley said the discussion this week was supposed to act as the first and second reading, which she said 'lit a firestorm' in many people worried about the policy heading too quickly toward approval. 'I am a very, very strong proponent of when you have something that is controversial, and I would say that this has been controversial, it's important that you take a pause — you push the pause button — you step back, and you take in information from the various groups out there,' Hensley said. Critics of the proposed policy have done more than send emails to board members — some took to public comment Wednesday to express their concerns. Groups and individuals at the institutional and state level have called the revisions classroom censorship and a violation of the law. While many of the students, faculty and citizens who spoke during public comment thanked the board for pushing the vote back, the consensus remained that the policy would harm campuses and their communities while claiming to protect student rights. After the University of Northern Iowa faculty union published a statement opposing the policy last week, United Faculty President Christopher Martin took to public comment Wednesday to explain the three truths he sees about the proposal — first, that it was crafted from out-of-state recommendations instead of in response to major problems in Iowa, second, its implementation will act as censorship by the government, and third, it is against the law. 'There is no middle position, no position of slight appeasement,' Martin said. 'Either you stand for free expression at Iowa's universities or you don't, and God help Iowa, its public universities and all the citizens of this state if you don't.' Ashley Maempa, a doctoral student studying history at the University of Iowa, said she was 'deeply concerned' with both this policy, which she said was an example of over-compliance with the law, and other legislation impacting her institution and other state universities. While the claim behind making these decisions has been that they are protecting students, Maempa said the policy would empower 'a politically appointed government body to make a political decision about what concepts are merely opinions and what has legitimate scholarly basis.' The people who should be deciding what is taught in classes should be the people who are trained to do so, she said, rather than the board, whose members do not have as much experience in these matters. 'We are not political mouthpieces for whoever is in power,' Maempa said. 'We are scholars, we are teachers, we are students. We ask that you vote no on this proposed policy in July, and we ask that you do your job and take a stand for academic freedom in our Legislature.' State Sen. Herman Quirmbach, D-Ames, released a memorandum ahead of the meeting going over past legislation and current Iowa Code relating to the duties of the board and education policy in Iowa, and concluded that the board has no statutory authority to limit academic instruction in this manner and would violate Iowa law by implementing the policy. 'No recent legislation has given the Board of Regents any authority over course content regarding diversity and race or sex discrimination,' Quirmbach said in a press release. 'Moreover, existing Iowa law contains strong protections guarding the academic freedom of both faculty and students, protections that the Board's proposed changes would violate.' With the start date a year away, Quirmbach said in the memorandum there shouldn't be any hurry to finalize it before campus community members have the time to fully review it, let alone form and share an opinion on what impacts they foresee. He suggested pushing the vote back to the fall to provide more time to campus constituents wishing to respond, and to the board in order to look more into the 'possible legal and constitutional vulnerabilities and the risk of legal action against the Board.' Regent Robert Cramer said during the meeting he'd like to hear from university faculty about what language they think would be best used to stop the indoctrination of students in the classroom while still ensuring they have the freedom to teach. Hensley agreed that it was right to push the vote back, and with another reading planned before vote, Hensley said it would be all right if it doesn't feel like the policy is ready for prime time even after seeing edits. 'This isn't going into effect until next year, so we've got time to get this dealt with and dealt with correctly, and I think that should be our number one priority,' Hensley said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Iowa State President Wendy Wintersteen to retire
DES MOINES, Iowa — The president of Iowa State University, Wendy Wintersteen, is planning to retire at the beginning of next year. The announcement was made on Friday morning. Wintersteen will retire in January of 2026. Her latest contract had been set to expire at the end of June in 2026. In the news release posted to Iowa State's website, Wintersteen said, 'I am fortunate to have served Iowa State University in many roles over the past 46 years, and it's been a fascinating journey. I am truly proud of Iowa State's extraordinary faculty and staff for their remarkable performance these past years. Perhaps most of all, I will miss the amazing energy, talent and potential of our Iowa State students.' Iowa Board of Regents President Sherry Bates praised President Wintersteen's steady guidance over the years. 'Under President Wintersteen's leadership, Iowa State's reputation has soared, particularly in research growth, student outcomes and an emphasis on innovation. With her steady guidance, Iowa State has met and overcome many external challenges, including a derecho, an international pandemic and more. The state of Iowa has been blessed to have an accomplished leader like Wendy Wintersteen leading this great land-grant university,' said Bates. Wintersteen was named president of the university in October of 2017 after a six-month nationwide search. She was the first woman named to head Iowa State when she became the university's 16th president. She succeeded Steven Leath, who was Iowa State's president from 2012 to 2017 and left to take the same job at Auburn University. Wintersteen was the Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State before taking on the job of president. She has a Ph. D. in Entomology from Iowa State and completed her Bachelor of Science degree in crop protection at Kansas State University. Judge OKs Iowa limits on K-6 gender identity, sexual orientation teaching but not elective programs Iowa State President Wendy Wintersteen to retire Bacoon Ride to go on with slight detour due to trail bridge fire Can you create 166,000 outfits out of 50 items? Iowan shares how he did it in new 'anti-fashion' magazine Governor's bill tackling doctor shortage passes House and Senate Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Regent David Barker nominated for U.S. assistant secretary for postsecondary education
Regent David Barker has been nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as the assistant secretary for postsecondary education. (Photo by Brooklyn Draisey/Iowa Capital Dispatch) Iowa Board of Regents member David Barker has been nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as assistant secretary for postsecondary education, the U.S. Department of Education announced Friday. According to a news release from the U.S. Department of Education, if appointed, Barker's job will include improving 'outcomes and accountability' in higher education through accreditation reforms and changing federal student aid programs for the better. He would also make sure 'grant programs are invested in agency priorities,' the release stated. Sen. Joni Ernst called Barker a 'great pick' in the news release, citing his long career and work on the board. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX 'Sixth generation Iowan David Barker has a proven 40-year track record as a successful entrepreneur and led the fight on the Iowa Board of Regents to undo restrictive COVID-19 mandates on students,' Ernst said in the release. Barker, who has served on the board of regents since 2019, was confirmed by the Iowa Senate to continue his tenure on the board in late April. His term is set to expire in 2031. He also works as a partner in Barker Companies, which oversees and develops real estate, and was previously an economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, according to his board of regents biography. In response to whether Barker is planning to step down from the board, board of regents spokesperson Josh Lehman said in an email he is still a member. Sherry Bates, president of the board of regents, congratulated Barker for the nomination in a statement. 'He will bring his tremendous knowledge, expertise and passion to that role,' Bates said. 'It's great that a fellow Iowan has been selected for this position, and we wish him well.' SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Funding flat for state universities, community colleges in proposed appropriation bill
Legislation proposing state appropriations for the Iowa Department of Education, Iowa Board of Regents and more moved out of subcommittee Tuesday. (Photo by) Iowa's public universities and community colleges would see flat funding for the upcoming fiscal year if proposed education appropriation legislation is passed, causing concern for some lawmakers. Senate Study Bill 1231 would set fiscal year 2026 state funding for the Iowa Department of Education, Iowa Board of Regents and the institutions it governs, Department for the Blind and other individual programs. Under the bill, general university funding for the University of Iowa would stay at almost $223.5 million, Iowa State University funding would remain at more than $178.4 million and funding for the University of Northern Iowa would remain at almost $101.9 million. While neither the University of Iowa or Iowa State University requested any general funding increases, the University of Northern Iowa asked for an additional $2.5 million for the upcoming year, which was not reflected in the bill. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Sen. Cindy Winckler, D-Davenport, said Tuesday during a subcommittee meeting on the bill that data from the board of regents shows around 66% of the higher education system budget is driven by tuition, with less than 30% made up of state appropriations. 'I'm very concerned about the level funding for both our community colleges and our regent universities,' Winckler said. 'That would mean, as costs are going up for the provision of education, that tuition will go up, and in many cases, that is very difficult for families.' Public education is incredibly important, she said, and when the Legislature keeps funding flat for state universities and community colleges — especially with national challenges all colleges must weather — the students and families paying to attend them feel the hurt of rising costs. Funding for community colleges is listed at close to $235.9 million, the same as last year. Katrina Holck, representing Community Colleges for Iowa, said many community colleges are concerned about the proposed funding as well. Lobbyists expressed general support for the legislation during the meeting, including proposed funding of $10 million for a health care professional incentive program and more than $2.3 million for the therapeutic classroom incentive fund for school districts. Representatives of Des Moines University said in the past, the private college and the UI have been allocated funds for a loan program to either keep alumni practicing in Iowa or bring professionals back to the state to work, and expressed their wish to see it continue. 'The loan program has been really helpful for our alumni to stay here and practice or come back and practice in rural areas,' said Joseph Jones, chief of staff in the president's office at DMU. Other funds left out of the legislation mentioned by commenters included the Iowa Tuition Grant program, $14 million for paraeducators and other civil work personnel and a $335,000 ask for a dyslexia endorsement tuition reimbursement program. Subcommittee chair Sen. Jesse Green, R-Boone, said in total, the bill allocates more than $1 billion from the state general fund for fiscal year 2026, an increase of more than $7 million from last year, as well as about $33.7 million from other funds. Sen. Sandy Salmon, R-Janesville, had no comments but joined Green in signing the legislation forward. It will head to the full Senate Appropriations Committee for further review. Green praised Gov. Kim Reynolds for urging the Legislature to allocate $1 million to the UI for cancer research, as well as the health care professional incentive program. In speaking with his constituents about actions taken last year to increase starting teacher pay, Green said it has really helped rural teachers and schools, and similar efforts should continue. 'This year, when I have gone out and I've talked to the communities, it resonates with a lot of people that we need to maybe expand our rural teacher loan incentives,' Green said. 'That's something that I would like to continue to pursue in the future, for me personally.' SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Senate approves bill requiring schools to publicize vaccine exemption information
(Photo via Getty Images) Any communication from schools on immunization requirements would have to include information and requirements for families seeking an exemption under a bill sent to the governor Tuesday. House File 299 was passed by the Senate 32-16. The bill requires all Iowa K-12 schools, as well as child care centers, community colleges, universities under the Iowa Board of Regents as well as private universities using the tuition grant program, to include information on exemptions when communicating with students and families about vaccine requirements. For child care facilities and K-12 schools, information on vaccine requirement exemptions must also be published on their website and be included in student registration documents. Republicans who spoke in support of the measure said it was needed because there were some reports of school staff falsely claiming that vaccines were required — with no exceptions — for students to be able to attend school. Sen. Dennis Guth, R-Klemme, shared a story from a mother who spoke on the bill during a subcommittee meeting. He said the woman claimed that while she was registering her child for an exemption to vaccine requirements, she witnessed another parent being told they needed to get vaccinations despite expressing they did not want to vaccine their child. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX 'The first mother came and said, 'There are exemptions, you know, you don't have to do that,' and the school official said, 'I'm sorry, no shots, no school,'' Guth said. 'That's just not the truth. We have a law in Iowa, and this will help make sure that that law is upheld.' Iowa law requires students to receive vaccinations to enroll in schools, including receiving the polio, measles, hepatitis B, varicella and meningococcal vaccines while in the K-12 school system. However, families have the ability to opt out from these requirements if vaccinating their child 'conflicts with a genuine and sincere religious belief.' The law does not require families to obtain a waiver or specify their religion to claim the exemption. Medical exemptions can also be granted by a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner who finds a required vaccination would be harmful to the health and well-being of the child or a member of their family. While exemptions exist, Sen. Molly Donahue, D-Cedar Rapids, said the bill 'risks sending a mixed message about the importance of the safety of vaccines' by emphasizing vaccine exemptions, potentially putting students in danger by diminishing herd immunity. 'The implications of this legislation could undermine public health efforts and lead to increased vaccine hesitancy, weakening our state and threatening our children,' Donahue said. 'To be clear, vaccinations are safe. And this bill is particularly troubling when a resurgence of preventable diseases in areas with low vaccine rates is happening. Right now, we see measles popping up in multiple states.' As of April 24, there have been a total of 884 confirmed measles cases in 29 states, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The largest outbreak has been in Texas, where two unvaccinated children died from the disease. Though no cases have been reported in Iowa since 2019, according to state public health officials, the neighboring states of Illinois and Minnesota have reported confirmed measles cases in 2025. Senate Minority Leader Janice Weiner also emphasized the efficacy of the measles vaccine in the wake of the recent outbreak and deaths from the disease. 'I'm left wondering how many have looked at the numbers of graves of young children in cemeteries prior to the advent of these vaccines, or looked into the long-term effects of measles on the immune system,' Weiner said. '… It is preventable, completely preventable through vaccination, and that is the most effective way to protect individuals and communities from measles.' Having a wide majority of a people vaccinated — 95% — is needed to provide overall community protection from measles, according to medical professionals, especially for those who cannot get vaccinated because of issues like age or other health problems. Weiner said the bill will allow families to 'feel free and are actually encouraged to opt out of life-saving vaccines,' which will put others at risk. 'This is unnecessary and in my view, irresponsible,' Weiner said. 'We have a duty to Iowans. We should be informing the public about the safety, efficacy and importance of the measles and other vaccinations, and working to keep kids healthy and Iowans healthy.' But Sen. Jesse Green, R-Boone, said the measure is not taking a stance on vaccines. He called the bill 'an honesty bill,' because it is requiring schools share accurate information on vaccination requirements — and the fact that parents can seek exemptions. 'What's troubling to me is a handful of schools in the state that decide it's okay to lie to parents, that if you don't receive shots then you can't send your kids to school,' Green said. 'That is a lie, and our parents in the state of Iowa deserve better. And so that's what this bill ensures. It ensures an honest conversation between the taxpayers, the parents and the schools.' The bill, which the Iowa House passed in March, goes to Gov. Kim Reynolds for final approval. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
