The Iowa Board of Regents postponed a vote Wednesday on a policy prohibiting mandatory diversity, equity, and inclusion and critical race theory classes after critics said the measure would restrict academic freedom.
During a public comments period, faculty and students urged the board to reject the policy, We are IOWA reports.
“It removes critical tools for students to understand the world around them,” University of Iowa Ph.D student Will Tjeltveit told the board. “By saying that the primary principles of DEI and CRT cannot be part of required classes, you’re limiting what discourse and what learning can take place.”
Tjeltveit, (pictured) who is studying history, said CRT and DEI are “inseparable from an accurate telling of American history.” He also said the policy would result in infamy and “shame” for the university, and drive students away.