Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF48

Introduced
1/17/23  
Introduced
1/17/23  

Caption

A bill for an act prohibiting tenure systems at the institutions of higher learning governed by the state board of regents, and including applicability provisions.

Impact

The passage of HF48 could reshape the landscape of faculty employment within state-regulated universities in Iowa. By eliminating tenure, the bill aims to promote a more flexible and possibly more accountable approach to faculty positions. This may lead to quicker adjustments in faculty personnel based on changing academic needs or financial constraints. The directive compels institutions to clarify their faculty employment practices, ensuring transparency and uniformity across various universities under the state board of regents.

Summary

House File 48 (HF48) introduces significant changes to the employment framework at institutions of higher learning governed by the state board of regents. The bill specifically prohibits the establishment or continuation of tenure systems for faculty members within these institutions. It outlines acceptable grounds for termination of faculty employment, which include just cause, program discontinuance, and financial exigency. Each institution is required to adopt written policies to establish clear standards and practices concerning employment agreements and performance evaluations of faculty members.

Contention

The bill has sparked notable debate regarding issues of academic freedom and job security for faculty members. Proponents argue that this reform is necessary to adapt to changing educational demands and to maintain fiscal responsibility in times of financial exigency. They contend that a non-tenured system would allow institutions to make more agile decisions about faculty staffing. However, opponents criticize the move as an attack on academic freedom, fearing it may deter potential faculty from seeking positions in Iowa due to the lack of job security typically associated with tenure. The concerns revolve around how this change might impact the ability of institutions to attract and retain qualified educators.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA SF437

A bill for an act relating to tenure systems, including modifying provisions related to tenure systems adopted by institutions of higher education governed by the state board of regents and implementing standards for community college tenure systems.

IA HF2558

A bill for an act relating to higher education, including by modifying the responsibilities of private institutions of higher education, community colleges, the state board of regents, and institutions of higher education governed by the state board of regents, modifying provisions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, tuition, and administrator hiring at state universities, membership of the state board of regents, and student-employer work and tuition programs at state universities and community colleges, and including applicability provisions. (Formerly HF 2327.)

IA HSB218

A bill for an act prohibiting institutions of higher learning governed by the state board of regents from expending moneys to fund diversity, equity, and inclusion offices or to hire individuals to serve as diversity, equity, and inclusion officers, creating a private cause of action, and including effective date provisions.(See HF 616.)

IA HF616

A bill for an act prohibiting institutions of higher learning governed by the state board of regents from expending moneys to fund diversity, equity, and inclusion offices or to hire individuals to serve as diversity, equity, and inclusion officers, creating a private cause of action, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly HSB 218.)

IA HF2704

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the education system, including the funding and operation of the department for the blind, department of education, and state board of regents; modifying provisions related to compulsory education, open enrollment, the state board of regents presidential search committee, the Iowa tuition grants program, and the Iowa dyslexia board; establishing restrictions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts of institutions of higher education governed by the state board of regents; providing penalties; and including effective date and applicability provisions.

IA HSB53

A bill for an act prohibiting certain requirements for students and faculty at regents institutions relating to diversity, equity, inclusion, and critical race theory and including applicability provisions.(See HF 269.)

IA HF269

A bill for an act prohibiting certain requirements for students and faculty at regents institutions relating to diversity, equity, inclusion, and critical race theory and including applicability provisions. (Formerly HSB 53.)

IA HSB229

A bill for an act relating to reimbursement to the state treasury by institutions of higher learning governed by the state board of regents for certain state tort claims, and including retroactive applicability provisions.(See HF 667.)

IA HF667

A bill for an act relating to reimbursement to the state treasury by institutions of higher learning governed by the state board of regents for certain state tort claims, and including retroactive applicability provisions.(Formerly HSB 229.)

IA SF282

A bill for an act prohibiting certain requirements for students and faculty at regents institutions relating to diversity, equity, inclusion, and critical race theory and including applicability provisions.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.