Iowa subcommittees see opposition to bills barring DEI in higher education

By: Brooklyn Draisey

Outlets: Iowa Capital Dispatch

Published: February 10, 2026

Words: 1,427

Last Updated: 3 weeks ago


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Iowa House higher education subcommittees have moved ahead legislation targeting diversity, equity and inclusion in general education requirements and at private universities, bringing back proposals that failed to make it through the Statehouse last year.

The subcommittee meeting on House Study Bill 542 got heated after a public commenter opposed to the bill, Abigail Escatel, appeared to hit the table close to subcommittee chair Rep. Steven Holt, R-Denison, before being removed from the room.

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