University of Iowa announces plans to close Gender, Women’s, and Sexuality Studies department.

The University of Iowa has announced it will close its Gender, Women’s, and Sexuality Studies department as public universities in the state continue to respond to the changing DEI landscape.

“Under the proposed plan The college will close the American Studies and Gender, Women’s and Sexuality Studies departments, as well as the American Studies and Social Justice majors, which together had fewer than 60 students, and create new departments. Department of Social and Cultural Analysis,” the University of Iowa announced in Press release On December 1, 17.

The decision comes after the Iowa Board of Regents approved 10 recommendations to ease diversity initiatives. Equality and inclusion (DEI) in the Hawkeye State.

Report Highlights Prevalence of DEI at IVY LEAGUE Institutions: “Dominant Ideology”

The University of Iowa has announced it will close its Gender, Women’s, and Sexuality Studies department as public universities in the state continue to respond to the changing DEI landscape. (Getty Images)

“We are excited to reposition these programs for the future,” said Sara Sanders, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) at the University of Iowa. “By creating the School of Social and Cultural Analysis, we will be able to build on that legacy. Our honor in various fields essential to our mission At the same time, it creates a more sustainable structure. and space for innovative new curricula.”

“Currently, these programs are managed by multiple department chairs and multiple directors,” said Roland Racevskis, associate dean for arts and humanities at CLAS. “Under this proposed plan, The school will have a single leadership team dedicated to overseeing the implementation of the programs.”

Government lawyers, companies prepare to push back against DEI, ‘woke’ initiatives: experts

The announcement revealed that the proposal would take effect on July 1, 2025, if approved at the Board of Regents meeting in February. (Getty Images)

“Students in this major are able to connect their experiences and ideas to a broader social context,” said Cornelia Lang, associate dean for undergraduate studies at CLAS. “This prepares them well. For potential careers or graduate work in cultural studies and related fields. through highly adaptable skills such as analytical thinking effective communication and research”

The announcement revealed that the proposal would take effect on July 1, 2025, if approved at the Board of Regents meeting in February.

The University of Iowa isn’t the only academic institution to change its stance on DEI initiatives in recent months.

University of Michigan ends requirements for DEI statements regarding employment promotion and faculty tenure this month Austin University (UATX), a private liberal arts university It replaced DEI with a morality-based initiative this year.

Some states, including Florida It has restricted or prohibited funding for DEI in public institutions.

The University of Iowa did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.

Fox News’ Taylor Penley contributed to this report.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP