University leaders are working with the state Board of Regents to determine what actions are needed to comply with Senate File 2435, which takes effect July 1, 2025. As actions are determined, guidance will be provided to campus.
Approved by the state legislature and signed into law in May, the bill imposes restrictions on diversity, equity and inclusion offices at the regent universities, which are broadly defined by the law and may include some programs, policies and training in colleges, departments and units across campus. The legislation includes exceptions for activities related to compliance with state and federal law and accreditation standards, and also contains exemptions for academic departments, student recruitment and student organizations. The legislation does not directly impact academic coursework or research.
Regents' DEI directives
The state Board of Regents' 10 diversity, equity and inclusion directives were approved in November 2023. Iowa State's implementation plan of the directives was informed by a 14-member focus group of students, faculty, staff and administrators. To maintain compliance, colleges, departments and units should observe the following:
- Iowa State has a robust set of programs and services in the Divisions of Student Affairs and Academic Affairs and in every college that are critical for student educational success. All related websites and promotional materials must clearly state these programs and services are available to all students.
- No employee, student, applicant or campus visitor should be compelled to disclose their pronouns. Anyone may voluntarily disclose their own pronouns. The Faculty Senate amended the Free Expression Syllabus Statement to comply with the pronoun directive. Faculty are required to include this statement in all course syllabi.
- The name of the curriculum requirement now known as U.S. Cultures and Communities was changed to better reflect the array of options available to students and ensure a breadth of course offerings.
- Annual guidance will be issued on maintaining a clear separation between personal political advocacy and university business and employment activities. This guidance is available on the office of the president's federal and state relations website.
- As required by Board Policy 4.2.I, the university will not issue statements or campus-wide messages on matters of public concern unless they are central to the university's mission or critical operations. Please refer to the university's guidance on campus messages and statements.
