Iowa House approves center for intellectual freedom, tuition limits

Iowa House lawmakers passed two significant bills on Tuesday aimed at improving higher education. One bill creates a new "center for intellectual freedom" at the University of Iowa. It aims to educate students on important historical ideas and texts that have influenced America. This bill, House File 437, received a 60-36 vote. The center would cost at least $1.5 million to operate, funding salaries for a dean and faculty. Supporters, like Rep. Taylor Collins, see this center as a way to enhance civic education and intellectual diversity at the University of Iowa. However, opponents, including Rep. Amy Nielsen, argue it is an unfunded mandate that would rely on student tuition. Critics also pointed out an apparent contradiction in promoting intellectual diversity while imposing restrictions on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Another bill, House File 440, addresses college affordability by limiting tuition increases for resident undergraduates. Tuition hikes will be tied to a three-year average of the Higher Education Price Index. This was changed from a previous cap of 3%. The bill also allows students to lock in their tuition rate from their freshman year and encourages the creation of three-year bachelor's programs. The Board of Regents is taking steps to review academic programs and increase transparency in university finances. Some of these measures, pushed by Collins, will be implemented even without new laws.