Hunter
04/30/26
A bill that would end diversity hiring policies, minority-focused programs and reporting requirements across state agencies, state universities, public schools and the judicial branch is on Governor Kim Reynolds’ desk for signature.
The bill would also remove a requirement for all law enforcement officers in the state to take annual implicit bias training.
The Gazette reports during floor debate on the bill Wednesday, Republican Senator Jason Schultz of Schleswig called affirmative action programs “malicious ideology” and a “toxic” policy that doesn’t belong in state law. He said both the US and Iowa Constitution say that all men and women are equal and the bill puts all Iowans on equal footing under the law.
Democratic Senator Janice Weiner called affirmative action, quote, “a simple promise that we will look everywhere for the best person for the job.” She also said that the implicit bias training that’s being banned with this bill makes communities and law enforcement officers safer.
The bill passed the House and Senate along party lines.