Meeting Public Comments

Subcommittee meeting and times are as follows:

A bill for an act prohibiting private institutions of higher education that participate in the Iowa tuition grant program from establishing diversity, equity, and inclusion offices. (See HF 854.)

Subcommittee members: Collins-CH, Hora, Konfrst

Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Time: 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

Location: House Lounge

Names and comments are public records. Remaining information is considered a confidential record.

Comments Submitted:

02-07-2025

Valerie Stokes

I OPPOSE HSB 60. Please do not move forward this bill. Working at a private institution of higher education, I have seen the benefit and beauty of faith and diversity. Our Vision for Diversity is guided by the biblical narrative of creation, fall, redemption and restoration, the College strives to pursue God's redeeming work in the world by courageously and faithfully engaging the fullness of our similarities and differences in our learning and living together. We embrace diversity in God's creation by valuing each person as created in the image of the triune God and thus intended for community, respecting the complexity of human identities, and recognizing human difference as central to an education that fosters critical thinking, empathy and dialogue. We also lament human brokenness and we work to reconcile our differences with one another in part by partaking in courageous conversations where varied perspectives are welcome. We attempt to embody Shalom in part by affirming that all things hold together in Christ, to the glory of God. One of the offices on campus that helps us to do so is our Intercultural Development Office. The work of this office plays a pivotal role on our campus to help us live out that vision. This bill, HSB 60, could eliminate this office and the good work being done. We have many students who receive the ITG who benefit from the work of this office and the intercultural work on campus. For me, diversity fits into God's creative design and his future plan of Revelations 7:9. I would humbly ask that you end this bill. Our institutions are preparing fine, young citizens who make a difference in the world. Our graduates are some of the best in their fields and are young men and women of great integrity. Respectfully submitted

02-10-2025

Kim Jongerius

Representatives Collins, Hora, and Konfrst, I OPPOSE house bill 60, on withholding the IOWA Tuition Grant from students attending colleges and universities that establish diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. For one thing, as a person of faith, I believe that the Bible has a strong and enduring message about the unity of all people (we were all created in his image, we will be gathered from every nation, tribe, and tongue) and about the inherent worth of all individuals (we are his handiwork, and his work is marvelous). In general, I understand the desire not to make funding available to activities you oppose, but I suggest that a broad decision such as this one is not the way to go about it. What exactly do you oppose? Surely not the inherent value of all of God's creations. Surely not the idea that "even the least of these" should be welcomed into the family of God. Surely not a small collection of words. Why, then, would you consider a bill that punishes schools (and the students who attend those schools) by assuming that all who publicly state their belief in the unity of humanity and the worth of individuals within that humanity are doing something you might oppose?Please vote NO on moving this bill forward.

02-10-2025

Nancy Fett

I oppose. How do you expect schools to provide support to students who come to Iowa and find they are only one of few persons of color at an institution, in a city that may not be welcoming, and we expect them to stay?? How do we retain students in Iowa if we cannot even convince them to complete their degree here? My kids do not plan to live here once they graduate because of the intolerant laws that are being passed. None effect them personally but they have friends and do not want to raise their eventual families in a place that bans books, doesnt value diversity (even though that diversity is the only thing that has grown Iowas population), or is literally destroying public education.

02-11-2025

Sarah Tharp

I strongly oppose HSB 60. Many of Iowas private colleges are religiouslyaffiliated, and somenof those that provide resources to students related to diversity and inclusion or that have statements about diversity do so because of their deeplyheld beliefs about all humans being made in the image of God and because of the Christian values of justice, hospitality, and charity. The language such institutions use is deeply rooted in their traditions theology and history. Unilaterally preventing diversity, equity, and inclusion offices for schools receiving ITG money would adversely impact faithbased institutions of higher education.

02-11-2025

Matt Rissler

I oppose this act because most of the institutions whose students receive the Iowa tuition grant are Christian and this exclusion will probably run afoul of the 1st Amendment. Christianity is an invitational religion that inherently honors the diversity of humanity (Ex: the Samaritan woman at the well or Peter's vision on the roof of Cornelius) and seeks justice and equity between all people. The kingdom of heaven is never described by Jesus as an exclusive space where people are not welcome due to their heritage. The Christian colleges of Iowa are called by their faith to promote inclusion and justice for all people that walk through their doors.

02-11-2025

Anna Stokes

I OPPOSE HSB 60. The student body at my university is made up of people of all ages, races, nationalities, religions, economic backgrounds, etc. This is to be celebrated and is part of what makes our campus community special. Barring private institutions from establishing DEI offices sends students the message that diversity, equity, and inclusion are not valued here. It also creates unnecessary roadblocks for institutions to acknowledge and support the diversity of experiences and challenges that our students face.

02-11-2025

Daryl Kohlhaas

Please oppose passage of HSB 60. DEI has become the latest white supremacist dogwhistle slandering minorities. Instead of using blatantly racist terms, it has become acceptable to slander anyone who is not a white male as a DEI hire. We are better than that here in Iowa. I strongly oppose HSB 60, which has no legitimate purpose other than to pander to racist sentiments.

02-11-2025

Sue Mattison

I strongly oppose HSB60. Eliminating the work of equity and inclusion in higher education hurts students future success and employer bottom line. Students who do not understand the value of how to engage with people who are different from them will be at a competitive disadvantage throughout their lives. According to some of the most powerful CEOs in the world who attended the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, last month, substantial, high quality evidence proves that diverse teams are more productive and have lower risk than those who dont have diverse teams (Robert Smith, Vista Equity Partners CEO). Jamie Dimon, CEO at JPMorgan Chase, said, Were very proud of what weve done, and what weve done is lift up cities, schools, states, hospitals, countries, companies, and were gonna do more of the same. Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins states If Im sitting in a room to try to solve a complex problem or to chase a big opportunity, I want a lot of diverse brains in that room. Diversity is good for business. Arena Friedman, Nasdaq CEO says diversity of views and diversity of backgrounds actually make us a better company and make us perform better. Students invest substantially in higher education. They should get their moneys worth.

02-11-2025

Amelia Saint

I OPPOSE HSB 60. It is shameful that legislators are trying to ban diversity, equity, and inclusion from our educational institutions. Instead of railing against inclusion, why not say out loud who you would like to exclude from higher education? Instead of banning equity, why not tell us who should not have equal opportunities? Rather than removing the word "diversity" from every university office, why don't representatives Collins, Hora, and Konfrst put up the signs they really want to see in public spaces? The signs they had in the Jim Crow south. If you're going to legislate it, you could show a scrap of moral character and at least say what it is you're trying to turn this state into.

02-11-2025

Jacob Torbeck

The ability to cultivate and serve diverse and inclusive communities, however expressed, is a fundamental part of the free exercise of religious and part of the first amendments rights of religious people and their religious institutions.This bill is an assault on the religious liberty of private, Churchaffiliated institutions of higher education in the state of Iowa.

02-11-2025

Sarah Kohles

I oppose HSB 60. All people are made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26) and must be treated with dignity and respect. Institutions should not be penalized for welcoming, including, and supporting the needs of all students.

02-11-2025

Kathy Kohlhaas

I would like to register my opposition to the passage of HSB 60 in the strongest terms. The only purpose of this law would be to hop onto a national bandwagon of racism. The people of Iowa can think for themselves and should be able to recognize that antiDEI language is just code for antiminority bias. Please do not pass HSB 60!

02-11-2025

Margarite Reinert

This bill is a direct attack on the religious freedom of private, churchaffiliated higher education institutions in Iowa, violating the First Amendment by imposing undue and unlawful restrictions on their ability to practice and uphold the faith upon which they were founded.

02-11-2025

Terrance Pendleton

I vehemently oppose Iowa House Study Bill 60, which prohibits private institutions of higher education that participate in the Iowa Tuition Grant program from establishing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices. This bill represents a dangerous overreach of government authority into the autonomy of private institutions and threatens to undermine the vital work of DEI offices in fostering inclusive and equitable learning environments for all students. The bill defines DEI to include "any effort to manipulate or otherwise influence the composition of the faculty or student body with reference to race, sex, color, or ethnicity," "any effort to promote or promulgate trainings, programming, or activities designed or implemented with reference to race, color, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation," and "any effort to promote, as the official position of the public institution of higher education, a particular, widely contested opinion referencing unconscious or implicit bias, cultural appropriation, allyship, transgender ideology, microaggressions, group marginalization, antiracism, systemic oppression, social justice, gender theory, or racial privilege". This overly broad definition could encompass a wide range of activities and initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion. By leveraging the Iowa Tuition Grant program as a means to control the internal operations of these institutions, the bill sets a dangerous precedent. It effectively forces private institutions to choose between upholding their commitment to DEI and their own core values and accepting state funding that supports Iowa students. This coercive approach undermines the independence of private institutions and their ability to respond to the needs of their diverse student populations. It is ironic that a program designed to increase access to education for Iowans is being used as a tool to potentially restrict access for underrepresented students by discouraging DEI initiatives. DEI offices play a critical role in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion on college campuses. They provide resources and support to students from marginalized backgrounds, facilitate workshops and training programs on diversityrelated issues, and work to create a more inclusive campus climate. Research has shown that DEI offices have a positive impact on student success, particularly for students from underrepresented groups . They contribute to a greater sense of belonging, improved academic performance, and higher graduation rates . Moreover, DEI initiatives promote social mobility and address educational disparities by ensuring that all students have equal opportunities to succeed in higher education . Furthermore, DEI initiatives are essential for preparing students for a diverse and globalized workforce. Employers increasingly seek graduates with intercultural competence and the ability to work effectively with people from different backgrounds . By prohibiting DEI offices, this bill would hinder the ability of Iowa's private institutions to equip their students with these essential skills, ultimately putting them at a disadvantage in the job market and potentially harming Iowa's economy. This bill also raises serious concerns about academic freedom and freedom of expression. While proponents argue that it aims to prevent "identity politics" from infiltrating education, the bill's vague language leaves it open to interpretation and potential abuse. It could be used to silence dissenting voices and limit critical discussions on issues of race, gender, and social justice. Such restrictions on academic inquiry have no place in a democratic society. This bill is part of a broader pattern of legislative attacks on academic freedom and DEI in Iowa, as evidenced by other bills that target DEI offices and tenure at public institutions and seek to restrict the teaching of certain concepts . The "forced neutrality provision" in the bill further restricts universities from taking stances on certain issues, essentially dictating what viewpoints can and cannot be expressed within the institution . This overreach could have a chilling effect on faculty research and teaching, even though the bill doesn't explicitly restrict them. The goals of higher education, which include critical thinking, exposure to diverse perspectives, and preparation for a diverse workforce, are fundamentally at odds with the restrictive nature of this bill. By limiting the ability of institutions to promote diversity and inclusion, the bill undermines the very purpose of higher education and threatens to hinder the intellectual and personal growth of students. In conclusion, I urge the Iowa Legislature to reject House Study Bill 60. This bill is a misguided attempt to control private institutions and stifle the important work of DEI offices. It threatens to harm students, undermine academic freedom, and send a message that Iowa is not welcoming to diverse perspectives. This contradicts Iowa's values of fairness, opportunity, and its longstanding commitment to providing highquality education for all its citizens. Let us instead focus on building a higher education system that embraces diversity, promotes equity, and prepares students for success in a globalized world, ensuring that Iowa remains a leader in education and a welcoming place for all.

02-11-2025

Chloe Lepak [Drake University]

I oppose HSB 60. DEI has made my college experience so much better because I have the opportunity to learn from people who have different life experiences from myself. Part of the reason I came to Drake University is because I knew they value diversity, equity, and inclusion. This bill is harmful and against the 1st Amendment.

02-11-2025

James Campbell [Drake University]

I OPPOSE THIS BILL. Our DEI programs involve more than many people may think. Wheelchair accessible buildings and handicap parking spaces encompass DEI. Services and programs supporting women are DEI. No woman should vote for this bill to advance. Educate yourselves on what DEI actually is (Hint: Its not critical race theory).

02-11-2025

Valerie Vera [Disability Action Awareness Community]

I OPPOSE HSB 60. This bill is directly targeting minorities and the efforts that have been made for decades to achieve equal opportunities for all individuals regardless of their background. DEI offices are not just programs, they are opportunities that otherwise wouldn't be available to individuals that already face disadvantages in society. DEI is not only beneficial to those students whose identities fall into subordinate groups. People with diverse backgrounds provide benefiting, valuable and enriching perspectives to those that don't necessarily form part of the community as well.

02-11-2025

Zack Kenz

I oppose HSB 60. These offices conduct many necessary activities for student support. Dictating the removal of a specific office is a waste of resources and time, and also runs counter to supporting the educational experience for Iowa students.

02-12-2025

Josie Krueger

I oppose this legislation (HSB 60). In addition to many objections others have already espoused, I and many other staff and employees at private institutions across the state, especially lower income employees, rely or otherwise count on programs like the Iowa Tuition grant to ever be able to hope to send our kids to the very institutions at which we work. Many of these colleges are in smaller Iowa communities and do not always have other employment options. The Iowa Tuition Grant coupled with additional benefits at our institutions are THE way we can send our kids to higher education.

02-12-2025

Joe Monahan

I encourage you to SUPPORT this bill. DEI programs are discriminatory and racist. They divide us based on the color of our most superficial characteristics. No one and no group that employs these divisive and discriminatory practices should benefit from tax payers dollars. In the vision of Rev Martin Luther King Jr, let's work hard to build a truly color blind society that values the content of one another's character rather than the color of their skin.

02-12-2025

Molli Bauer

I urge you to OPPOSE HSB 60. Diversity, equity, and inclusion offices and staff provide so many benefits and access to education for so many students. The existence of diversity, equity, and inclusion services are essential and help ensure that ALL students have the support needed to attend and thrive at private institutions (as well as all institutions). I urge the legislature to introduce bills that address real concerns affecting the safety of Iowan students (such as gun deaths, abnormally high cancer rates, or ensuring every student is fed). This bill makes it clear that our representatives are not focused on real issues facing Iowans and instead are choosing to align with a national trend of demonizing diversities which achieves nothing and only distracts. Students in Iowa deserve better.

02-12-2025

Anita Cirulis

I OPPOSE HSB 60. This bill is an attempt by the state to dictate the beliefs and actions of private faithbased institutions of higher education. The work being done to support international students and students of color is important and in keeping with a biblical worldview in which God created and pronounced as good a world that is diverse. Such support also ensures that more students will graduate and be prepared to contribute to our country and economy.

02-12-2025

Jonathan Danker

I oppose HSB 60 because I dont want to live in the past again. DEI programs helped us understand other peoples cultures and experiences and gives equality in our state. If you pass this bill, it could lead us into a second era of Jim Crow laws and people will have to leave our state because of it. Who would you rather listen to Majority of Iowa or take orders from your party leaders and follow them blindly. Please dont pass HSB 60 for the sake of our state.

02-12-2025

Chris Hausmann

I oppose HSB 60.Years from now, I think even proponents of this bill will look back at it as poor legislation: an overreach of the political moment, and a betrayal of conservative principles.The bill extends the long arm of government into the inner workings of private institutions. When the political left was in power in Washington, conservatives clearly perceived the dangers of making educational funding contingent on progressive ideas about gender and sexuality. Although the political winds that changed, the danger of governmental overreach still exists; it tempts whoever is in power at the moment. Educational institutionsand Iowansare most free when colleges can determine for themselves how to best serve their students, based on missions and commitments to accrediting bodies. American from all political persuasions should set a high bar for interfering in that selfdetermination, and when interference is necessary, it must be exercised "with a scalpel" and with a clear rationale. DEI has been implemented in many different ways and in many different settings. And there are examples that even its strongest proponents would recognize as inappropriate or ineffective. So it is reasonable to examine what correctives might be appropriate, especially at the institutional level. But a blanket prohibition by the government threatens the freedom of speech and freedom of religiontwo principles conservatives have cherished deeply.

02-12-2025

Jessica Chrystal

I oppose this bill. Taylor already embrassed himself once going after community colleges. Leave my sons college edcuationd the hell alone!What you're actually seeing is creating barrier that will hinder many from finishing their degrees. That will just add to your work force shortages that you just can't seem to fix but won't acknowledge the real reason.It's the culture wars and stupid ridiculous bills like this one! Helps no one but your own egos,the Family Leaderand the bigots4christian nationalism. Want to dictate what colleges can teach,include on campuses and who can afford to attend ? Resign and go serve abroad in China or Russia.