The University of Iowa has come under scrutiny after an undercover video revealed that its officials are deliberately circumventing state and federal restrictions on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Drea Tinoco, an assistant director at the university, openly admitted in the video to working around these bans by rebranding DEI efforts under terms like ‘civic engagement’ and ‘access and engagement’. The recording shows Tinoco’s frustration with the state’s attempts to dismantle DEI programs, emphasizing her and her colleagues’ determination to continue such initiatives discreetly.
These actions align with a growing trend observed in several universities across the country, where officials are employing tactics such as renaming and repackaging DEI programs to maintain their essence. The University of Iowa’s internal investigation into the matter is expected to follow the revelations, with the university vowing to uphold its compliance with state and federal laws. However, it is anticipated that the situation will remain contentious, given the polarized views on DEI policies in contemporary academic environments.
Republican Governor Kim Reynolds has expressed her disapproval of the video, indicating her intent to refer the matter to the state’s attorney general for legal review. She has also reminded university officials of their obligations to adhere to both state law and an executive order issued by former President Trump. This incident underscores a larger debate on the role and impact of DEI policies, which continue to be a significant point of contention among policymakers, educators, and stakeholders.