(Radio Iowa) – Iowa’s attorney general is investigating comments a University of Iowa employee made in an undercover video about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programming on campus. Governor Reynolds asked for the investigation after seeing the video, which aired on Fox News Tuesday. The governor says the University of Iowa employee blatantly admits to defying the anti-Diversity, Equity and Inclusion law she signed in 2024.  Sherry Bates is president of the Board of Regents, which oversees the university.

“I would like to address the report about faculty and staff not adhering to state and federal law regarding DEI. This is unacceptable. Following the law is not optional, nor is working around the law,” Bates said. “Any attempt to skirt the law needs to be dealt with swiftly. The board fully supports the Attorney General’s review and will take any action needed to correct this very problematic situation.” In the video, the employee suggests staff on campus are using the phrase “civic engagement” rather than D-E-I and the governor says it appears the university has illegally maintained a D-E-I office.

Attorney General Brenna Bird says the Regents universities must comply with state laws AND President Trump’s executive order on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs and she announced this (Wednesday) morning that her office has opened an investigation.