DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowa House Republicans considered different proposals regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion offices and course curriculum.

On Wednesday afternoon, a Higher Education subcommittee considered a bill that would apply what lawmakers passed last session for the state board of regents to community colleges. The bill would prohibit DEI offices on community college campuses.

“Community colleges are often the most accessible and affordable pathways for students of color because of systemic inequities and history do not start on necessarily on the same playing field with equal footing as their peers,” said Betty Andrews with the NAACP Des Moines branch, speaking in opposition to the proposal.

“I think a better description for DEI is ‘Didn’t Earn It’ and I think our children should be taught a merit-based education,” said Terry Pierce of West Des Moines, in favor of the bill.

The bill was not advanced but tabled by the chair of the subcommittee. Community Colleges for Iowa had representation at the meeting, outlining that community colleges in the state do not have any of these offices and they already follow what this bill would require.

“I’ve been in conversations with community colleges since last year when we passed the changes when it comes to our regent universities passing those DEI changes last legislative session,” said State Representative Taylor Collins, (R) District 95 from Mediapolis. “I am confident in the changes they are making and in their confidence, they have showed to us that I think we are willing to work with them in good faith and I didn’t feel the need to advance the bill at that time.”

Rep. Collins said that the bill will be brought back up again if there is evidence shown of DEI offices or practices on community college campuses.

Another DEI proposal was advanced out of another Higher Education subcommittee in the Iowa House. This one relates to not requiring students to enroll in diversity, equity, inclusion, and critical race theory-related course at board of regent universities. The bill defines that as a description, course overview, course objectives, proposed student learning outcomes, written examinations that include that type of content.