The Iowa Board of Regents is set to vote on a revised draft of its 2022-2027 strategic plan on January 15, with significant edits reflecting the state’s recent legislative changes. These revisions include the removal of language related to diversity, equity, and inclusion DEI, which had been part of the original plan approved in February 2022.
The edits were prompted by several new laws passed in 2023 and 2024, including Senate File 514, Senate File 2096, and Senate File 2435, which affected issues such as the Iowa School for the Deaf and the Iowa Educational Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, gender balance on state boards, and DEI-related positions at state universities.
The revised draft removes references to DEI, underrepresented students, and special schools no longer under the Regents’ purview. It also alters the language around core values and goals, replacing terms like diverse and inclusive with high-impact academic and changing respect for differences to mutual respect for intellectual differences.
The document also removes references to expanding opportunities for underserved populations and industries.
These changes reflect the Board’s efforts to align the strategic plan with current state and federal laws. The final vote on the revised strategic plan will take place on January 15.