(Des Moines) A proposed bill progressing through the House Higher Education Committee aims to establish a “School of Intellectual Freedom” at the University of Iowa, which would reshape the way American history is taught.
Governor Terry Branstad strongly supports the bill, stating, “The future of our country depends on citizens who are well-informed and who cherish and celebrate American heritage.”
Instruction would consist of “the historical ideas, traditions and texts that have shaped the American constitutional order and society,” according to the legislation, and the school would offer programming on free speech and civil discourse while fostering intellectual diversity and civic engagement.
The bill passed a subcommittee vote by a margin of 2-1. According to the bill, the School of Intellectual Freedom will function as an independent academic unit. It will have control over its curriculum, faculty, budget, and admissions and operate as a separate entity from the University of Iowa.
