(Radio Iowa) – Democrats in the Iowa House Black Caucus are calling on the leaders of Iowa businesses and private colleges to lobby against the roll back of diversity, equity and inclusion programs in Iowa. Bills on the subject cleared the Iowa House with G-O-P support Tuesday and are now under review in the Iowa Senate. Representative Ruth Ann Gaines, a Democrat from Des Moines, is chair of the Black Caucus in the Iowa House.

“Unfortunately many of our constituents have not woken up yet and that’s what our primary job is right, our responsibility — to make sure that they really understand what is in the bills and how it will impact them,” Gaines said. Representative Rob Johnson, a Democrat from Des Moines, represents the Drake University neighborhood. Drake, the largest private university in the state, would be impacted by the legislation.

“We have to stick together on this. We must be unified and we’re asking everyone — write letters, make phone calls, get involved. This is your opportunity,” Johnson said. “If you ever wanted to know if you’re needed, you’re needed now.”

Johnson says diversity, equity and inclusion programs were the answer to moving the country forward and the elimination of D-E-I efforts is a step backward. A Republican who spoke during House debate Tuesday said D-E-I is a racist ideology and D-E-I programs are one reason the country is so divided.