Now University of Iowa under state investigation as US intensifies DEI fight across campuses

The University of Iowa is currently under investigation by the Iowa Attorney General’s Office following a formal complaint filed by Governor Kim Reynolds. The action stems from a video that appears to show a university employee discussing ways staff might be working around new state laws restricting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs.The complaint was submitted directly by Governor Reynolds to Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird, who confirmed that her office has opened an official investigation. The case has drawn national attention as it aligns with broader efforts to curtail DEI-related initiatives across public institutions in the US.Video triggers complaint and legal responseThe video, which surfaced publicly and was discussed during a meeting of the Iowa Board of Regents, appeared to show a University of Iowa employee discussing how DEI-related efforts may still be taking place despite legislative restrictions. Governor Reynolds stated in her complaint that the video shows "a blatant disregard for the law and the will of the Legislature — that simply should not be tolerated," as reported by KCCI.Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird confirmed her office's involvement in the matter. "We have received the Governor’s complaint against the University of Iowa and have opened an investigation," Bird's office stated, according to KCCI. The office emphasized that "Regent universities must comply with our state laws, including the Iowa Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Act — Iowa Code Chapter 261J, Iowa Code Chapter 19, and also an Executive Order signed by President Trump on January 22, 2025."State officials call for accountabilitySherry Bates, president of the Iowa Board of Regents, addressed the issue at the regents’ meeting. "This is unacceptable," she said. "Following the law is not optional, nor is working around the law," as quoted by KCCI.University of Iowa President Barbara Wilson responded to the allegations during the meeting, saying the university "takes these allegations with the utmost seriousness." She added that the institution has already reached out to the Board of Regents and the Iowa Attorney General’s Office to coordinate investigative efforts, and confirmed that "if at any point we find the policies or laws have been violated, we will take the necessary corrective actions without hesitation," as reported by KCCI.Law prohibits DEI offices and related programsThe law cited in the complaint was signed by Governor Reynolds in 2024 and officially took effect on July 1, 2025. It includes a provision banning DEI offices and related programs at Iowa’s public universities.Republican House Representative Taylor Collins said he shares the Governor’s concern. “Those folks need to be held accountable,” Collins said. “Those folks need to be fired,” he added, referring to employees found in violation of the law, as reported by KCCI. Collins also stated that Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa have shown more willingness to comply.Democratic lawmaker challenges interpretationDemocratic House Representative Rob Johnson offered a different perspective. He told KCCI that the video does not appear to show someone trying to circumvent the law. "Even after watching the video, it felt like somebody was really trying their best to stick up for people," he said.Johnson further stated that he believes the law is flawed. "We have to make sure that we're looking at diversity," he said, "because if we do not, then we're going to miss out on opportunities of looking at other people's religion, looking at other people's faith, and looking at other people's opportunity to get the medicine that they may even need," as reported by KCCI.TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here.