HF 856: Iowa Prohibits State Entities From Funding DEI Offices or Officers
Summary
HF 856 was passed in May 2025 and became effective on July 1, 2025. It prohibits Iowa state and local public entities, including cities, counties, K–12 school districts, community colleges, and public universities, from establishing, funding, or maintaining DEI offices, positions, or programs focused on demographic characteristics such as race, gender, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation. The bill also voids any conflicting educator diversity policies and grants individuals a private right of action to sue for violations. Narrow exemptions are included for purely compliance-based legal roles (e.g., Title IX, ADA) and federally mandated positions.
Impacted Sectors
Additional Information
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