HSB 61 (LSB 1433YC (2) 91)

HOUSE FILE _____ 

BY  (PROPOSED COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION BILL BY CHAIRPERSON COLLINS)

A BILL FOR

An Act prohibiting community colleges from establishing diversity, equity, and inclusion offices and engaging in certain other activities relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  Section 261J.1, subsection 3, as enacted by 2024 Iowa Acts, chapter 1152, section 31, is amended to read as follows:
   3.  “Public institution of higher education” means an institution of higher learning governed by the state board of regents or a community college.
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with
the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   This bill provides that a public institution of higher education for purposes of Code chapter 261J, relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion, includes a community college.
   Code chapter 261J generally prohibits public institutions of higher education from establishing diversity, equity, and inclusion offices, as defined in Code chapter 261J; requiring a person to provide a diversity, equity, or inclusion statement; or giving preferential treatment to any person based on the provisions of such a statement. The prohibitions do not apply if otherwise provided by federal or state law or accreditation standards. Code chapter 261J requires annual reports to the general assembly and governor on compliance by public institutions of higher education and provides for enforcement by the attorney general.