Sweeping restrictions on diversity, equity and inclusion efforts across public higher education institutions and governmental entities in Iowa are one step closer to becoming law after the state Senate passed a House-backed measure clamping down on DEI efforts. In a 34-16 vote on party lines, the Iowa Senate on May 9 passed House File 856 extending restrictions on DEI initiatives that lawmakers in 2024 placed on the three public universities governed by the Iowa Board of Regents to community colleges. In the House, Democratic legislators in the Iowa Legislative Black Caucus led the charge against the proposal and said DEI had become "a punchline and weapon in the culture wars," though it benefits all. Senate Democrats warned it would drive people away from Iowa and worsen worker shortages. Tap the link in our bio for more on this story. #Iowa #IApolitics #IAlegis