Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)

Proposals at the Iowa statehouse could ban Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs at institutions of higher education and in local government.

The Iowa House advanced two proposals Tuesday targeting diversity, equity and inclusion in state agencies and higher education amidst pushback from Iowa House Democrats.

For the first time in its nearly 30-year history, the African American Cultural and Historical Museum is opening to the public. It was previously open by appointment only, but that is changing this month thanks to a nationwide fundraising effort.

The Waterloo after-school literacy program co-founded by Nikole Hannah-Jones will host the city’s 19th African American Read-In after the city’s school district withdrew from the statewide program last month.

Reading proficiency for fourth and eighth graders has been on the decline since before the pandemic.

A growing number of organizations working in Iowa say the sweeping federal review process has held up grants, limiting their ability to support farmers and communities tackling environmental pollution.

The Waterloo Community School District reversed its decision to participate in the 19th African American Read-In, hosted by the University of Northern Iowa Department of Education on Feb. 20, and returned free children's books intended to be sent home with students.

The House Higher Education Committee has honed in on standardizing general education requirements, banning schools from requiring DEI courses and preventing accreditors from penalizing colleges for following state law.

A northwest Iowa organization that helps immigrants says many are afraid of what might happen when President Trump takes office on Monday.

The Iowa native reflects on growing up in Des Moines, illustrating Black history and inspiring children to write their own stories.