Students at Iowa State University are outraged by a state law that has closed the university’s Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion office, and they are speaking out.
On Thursday, supporters marched from the Iowa State Memorial Union to Parks Library in protest of Senate File 2435, joined by members of the Ames community.
The law, which goes into effect on July 1, 2025, prevents colleges from establishing, retaining, or sponsoring DEI offices or positions unless necessary by law or for accreditation.
ISU students are concerned that the bill may allow the state to close other university offices, including the Center for LGBTQIA+ Student Success, the Multicultural Student Affairs Office, and the Margaret Sloss Women’s Center.
Students against SF-2435
The ISU Students Against SF-2435 alliance was founded by Iowa State students to resist the law’s impending impacts, according to Erin O’Brien, an Iowa State student and coalition member.
“We are urging the university to make every effort to preserve these programs and resources,” O’Brien expressed. “While we understand that the university may be compelled to comply if the Board of Regents interprets the law in a certain manner.”
Board of Regents, universities respond to law
The state senate approved Senate File 2435 and signed it into law in May 2024, but institutions were already ready for the repercussions.
In November 2023, the Iowa Board of Regents issued instructions on diversity, equity, and inclusion. These directives eliminate all DEI functions that are “not necessary for compliance or accreditation.”
To comply, Iowa State declared that the DEI would close in April 2024. The office cut two filled and three unfilled positions, leaving $789,000 in salary and benefits.
In April, Iowa State President Wendy Wintersteen announced the distribution of funds based on institutional goals.
Opposition seeks diversity, equity and inclusion resources on campus
The DEI office offered a range of resources to support students, including financial aid and resources for mental and physical health.
According to O’Brien, the Center for LGBTQIA+ Student Success, the Multicultural Student Association, and the Margaret Sloss Women’s Center still have most of these resources available. However, there is a risk of these three organizations being shut down due to the language used in Senate File 2435.
According to O’Brien, student organizations, although exempt from the law, would probably be responsible for handling those resources. It’s important to note, however, that these organizations do not have the complete financial support of the university.
Silvera Dudenhoefer, an Iowa State student, emphasized the importance of campus diversity, equity, and inclusion resources in her decision to attend the university. She also acknowledged the positive impact these resources have on others.
“Having connections with people like them can be really important for choosing a school,” Dudenhoefer said. “Somehow, people assume because we are making spaces for groups (that do not traditionally have it) that we’re showing favoritism. That is not true.”
Counter protestor attends Thursday’s rally
One counter-protester stood outside Parks Library Thursday, brandishing banners that said, “Warning: God’s Judgement Is Coming.” Students who chanted “Stop the bill” and “DEI saves lives” were met with the response, “God hates this.”
Emotions ran high as protestors and counter-protesters expressed their ideas, but the demonstration remained peaceful.
Students plan to keep momentum going
According to O’Brien, the ISU Students Against SF-2435 alliance is developing petitions for the Iowa Legislature and the Board of Regents. The group is also considering legal action to get Senate File 2435 repealed.
O’Brien expressed hope that our actions would ultimately benefit the public schools of Iowa.
Dudenhoefer expressed his frustration, stating, “They should listen to us since we’re the ones contributing to their profits.”
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