Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits requirements related to diversity, equity, and inclusion subjects being taught in higher education, including critical race theory, in Iowa.

Highlights:

• Establishes the “Freedom from Indoctrination Act” in Iowa (Sec. 1). 

• Prohibits certain requirements for students and faculty relating to diversity, equity, inclusion, and critical race theory in Iowa (Sec. 3). 

• Defines “diversity, equity, inclusion, and critical-race theory related content” as content that does any of the following (Sec. 2):

• Promotes the idea that neutral or colorblind concepts perpetuate oppression or injustice;

• Promotes the differential treatment of individuals in modern-day America based on race or ethnicity; or

• Promotes the idea that a student is inherently biased because of their race or sex. 

• Prohibits public institutions of higher education from requiring students to enroll in a diversity, equity, inclusion, and critical race theory-related course in order to satisfy the requirements of any academic degree (Sec. 3). 

• Prohibits public institutions of higher education from requiring faculty to include diversity, equity, inclusion, and critical race-theory-related content in their course (Sec. 4). 

• Exempts academic degree programs that are primarily focused on racial, ethnic, or gender studies from the provisions of this bill (Sec. 5). 

• Authorizes the Attorney General to bring action against a public institution of higher education that violates the provisions of this bill (Sec. 6). 

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall apply to academic years beginning on or after July 1, 2026 (Sec. 8). 

Full Bill Text