Protect the Public’s Trust (PPT) has taken a bold step by filing a civil rights complaint against the University of Iowa (UIowa) and Iowa State University (ISU). This action comes on the heels of videos that have surfaced showing administrators from both schools discussing ways to circumvent anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) laws. These developments follow the signing of a law by Republican Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, which prohibits the use of state funds for DEI offices and staff.
The complaint, lodged with the Department of Education, Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of Justice, was obtained by the Daily Caller News Foundation. It claims that the Iowa Board of Regents is dragging its feet in implementing the new guidelines. The complaint urges the federal government to investigate whether these universities are adhering to the law.
A revealing video captures a UIowa employee admitting that the school has “a strategy” to continue advancing its DEI agenda. “Our president said it’s important to us but we just need to reimagine it a certain way and abide by the rules and the law,” said Cassandra Gordon-Fletcher, a senior director at the Office of Access and Support. She added, “It’s not going away, we’re just reimagining how we’re doing it.”
A spokesperson for UIowa responded to the Daily Caller News Foundation, dismissing the video as “out-of-date and inaccurate.” The spokesperson assured that the university “is in full compliance with state and federal law as well as all Iowa Board of Regents directives.” They also mentioned that Gordon-Fletcher’s position was eliminated in March.
UIowa has started dismantling its DEI programs since 2024 and plans to continue this process through 2025. University President Barbara Wilson addressed concerns in July, assuring that UIowa would investigate and ensure compliance with anti-DEI laws. This commitment follows the governor’s strong condemnation of the university’s actions.
Governor Reynolds did not mince words in her reaction to the video. “I’m appalled by the remarks made in this video by a University of Iowa employee who blatantly admits to defying DEI restrictions I signed into law on May 9, 2024,” she stated. Reynolds also referred the matter to Attorney General Brenna Bird for a thorough review.
Similarly, an administrator at ISU was caught on video disclosing attempts to bypass the laws. Susan Harper, director of the ISU LGBT center, remarked, “We are finding ways to be in compliance with the law and still do the work that needs to be done.” She added that the university had to “shift some of our programming, like the work goes on.”
In response to these revelations, ISU did not provide any comment to the Daily Caller News Foundation. The silence leaves room for speculation about the university’s stance on these accusations. Meanwhile, Michael Chamberlain, director of PPT, expressed grave concerns.
Chamberlain’s statement was clear: “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire, and the smoke coming from these Iowa universities could cloud the state’s skies completely.” He emphasized that the comfort with which staff at these schools openly discuss sidestepping the law suggests a systemic issue. This attitude, he noted, seems to filter down from higher authorities.
In an attempt to address the issue, the Iowa Board of Regents has adjusted its DEI policy. As of August 12, the policy allows university instructors to teach controversial topics relevant to course content. However, the instruction must “foster critical thinking and avoid indoctrination of one perspective.”
President Trump’s January executive order aimed to put an end to DEI practices and race-based programs. He criticized these practices for undermining national unity and promoting an identity-based spoils system. In response, several universities and organizations have dismantled DEI offices and revised policies.
Despite these efforts, administrators and consultants at other universities have been caught discussing ways to bypass the president’s orders. Some prestigious institutions, such as Harvard and UCLA, have faced accusations of continuing to employ illegal DEI tactics. These actions raise questions about the sincerity of their compliance.
Chamberlain pointed to the seriousness of these incidents, stating, “Not only do these incidents constitute possible violations of Titles VI and IX, they are a slap in the face to students who work hard to achieve and excel.” He called for a federal investigation to prevent similar actions at other institutions.
