The University of Iowa has made headlines by announcing a decisive move to end its Gender, Women’s, and Sexuality Studies department, a development celebrated by conservatives across the country as a pushback against the unchecked spread of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in higher education. This decision aligns with a broader statewide effort, as Iowa’s Board of Regents recently approved ten proposals to reduce DEI initiatives across the Hawkeye State.
In a statement, the University of Iowa revealed plans to close the Gender, Women’s, and Sexuality Studies and American Studies departments, along with their associated majors, replacing them with a streamlined Social and Cultural Analysis major. Combined, these programs enroll fewer than 60 students—a stark reminder of their lack of appeal and practicality in today’s economic and educational climate.
Sara Sanders, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS), praised the shift as a forward-thinking approach. “We are excited to reposition these programs for the future,” she stated. “The creation of a School of Social and Cultural Analysis allows us to build on our considerable legacy while fostering sustainable structures and innovative curricula.”
The university’s new direction emphasizes efficiency and adaptability. CLAS Associate Dean Roland Racevski explained that consolidating leadership under a single team will simplify operations and better serve students. Meanwhile, Associate Dean Cornelia Lang highlighted the benefits for students pursuing the new major, noting that it will prepare them for careers and graduate work through “highly adaptable skills like analytical thinking, effective communication, and research.”
If approved by the Board of Regents in February, the changes will take effect by July 2025, coinciding with the launch of the School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability. Sanders expressed optimism about the future, commending faculty for their innovative responses to the challenge of aligning resources with student needs.
The University of Iowa’s decision has been met with applause from conservatives nationwide, who view it as a much-needed course correction in higher education. DEI programs, often criticized as being rooted in Marxist ideology, have faced increasing scrutiny for fostering division rather than unity.
Prominent conservative voices on social media hailed the announcement. The X account “Amuse” declared, “If you had any doubt we were winning, realize that major universities like Iowa are closing their Gender, Women’s, and Sexuality Studies departments—the home of their Marxist DEI programs. More of this.”
Similarly, conservative commentator Eyal Yakoby celebrated the development, stating, “The country is healing.”
Iowa’s move is part of a broader wave of resistance to the DEI agenda in American colleges. Across the country, institutions are reevaluating the merit and relevance of programs that have often prioritized ideology over practicality.
For many, the University of Iowa’s bold decision signals a hopeful turn toward restoring common sense and accountability in higher education. As the school embraces a new direction, it paves the way for others to follow suit, putting students’ futures and taxpayers’ dollars back at the forefront of educational priorities.