Proposed legislation and bureaucratic guidance coming from the Iowa and the federal government is designed to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) centers, programs and academic content from institutions of higher education.
“What is coming out of the Trump administration is pretty similar to what the Iowa House recently proposed, but there are some differences,” Julie Elliott, Northwestern’s Vice President for Student Life said. “My understanding is that in a February 14 Dear Colleague letter, the Trump administration is interpreting a recent court case which was about affirmative action and admissions in higher ed, and they are using that case to establish an ethic that any policy, practice, or program that treats anyone differently according to race is illegal discrimination.”
These proposed bills may seem far removed from a small private Christian college in Northwest Iowa, however, these affect both public and private institutions of all sizes. “Any Iowa student is entitled to the Iowa tuition grant,” Elliott said. “And so, the state legislation that is being proposed is that it would withhold the Iowa tuition grant for any institution that has DEI programs, that talks about things like microaggressions or social justice or a very long list of topics.”
Through student aid, the government can have sway over private colleges. NW as an institution has been closely following these developments and consulting with attorneys to understand how sweeping these proposals are, and what is law versus guidance.
“The other reality is that some of this guidance and proposed legislation could be overturned, so we are all just watching.” Elliott said. “And for us as a college watching with the understanding that our work in this area has always been based on our biblical understanding of what reconciliation is about.”
Because NW is a Christian institution, our vision for diversity is rooted in our Christian convictions. “This is where religious freedom comes in,” Elliott said. “We are a mission-based institution, and a central part of our Christian mission is to proclaim the good news that the gospel is about breaking down walls here and now and that we are called to be ambassadors of reconciliation.”
“From President Christy all the way down, we remain very much committed to that mission.”
Though it is unclear right now how far these bills will go and how sweeping they will be, Elliott reassures that, as a college dedicated to courageous and faithful learning, NW is committed to its diversity statement. “To embody our vision means to work for right relationships among people across differences,” Elliott said. “And that mission is not going to change just because the political winds have shifted in the last little while.”
“We are doing our best to stay up to date, holding to our mission and making good decisions.”
