Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF519

Introduced

3/5/25

Caption

A bill for an act establishing a school of intellectual freedom at the university of Iowa.(Formerly SF 127.)

Impact

The introduction of SF519 is expected to have significant implications on university governance and academic operations. The bill requires the appointment of at least five tenure-eligible faculty members dedicated to the school, establishing a framework for administrative independence. Additionally, the bill includes stipulations regarding fundraising, noting that private donations and state appropriations must be utilized strictly for the operational costs of the school, preventing any overlap with the university's indirect costs. This aspect raises questions about financial transparency and allocation within the broader university budget.

Summary

Senate File 519 aims to establish a School of Intellectual Freedom at the University of Iowa. This independent academic unit will focus on teaching and research related to historical ideas, traditions, and texts that have shaped the American constitutional order and society. The bill mandates that the school be located within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and outlines specific subjects that the school must cover, such as the principles of free societies and the foundations of responsible leadership. This initiative is part of a broader legislative goal to expand intellectual diversity within the academic community.

Contention

While proponents of the bill argue that it fosters an essential academic environment dedicated to free inquiry and civil discourse, critics caution against possible ideological biases that may arise from a narrowly focused curriculum. The explicit commitment to enhance intellectual diversity is acknowledged, yet some legislators worry the school's operations may inadvertently promote specific viewpoints over others. Thus, the legislative discussions surrounding SF519 reflect broader societal debates about academic freedom, ideological diversity, and the role of public universities in fostering a balanced educational environment.

Latest IA SF519 Activity

View All Events: IA 2025-2026 Regular Session SF519

Companion Bills

IA SF127

Similar To A bill for an act establishing a school of intellectual freedom at the university of Iowa.(See SF 519.)

IA HF437

Similar To A bill for an act establishing a center for intellectual freedom at the university of Iowa. (Formerly HSB 52.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.

IA HSB52

Related A bill for an act establishing a school of intellectual freedom at the university of Iowa.(See HF 437.)

Previously Filed As

IA SF318

A bill for an act relating to apprenticeships and establishing an Iowa office of apprenticeship and Iowa apprenticeship council. (Formerly SSB 1086.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

IA SSB1086

A bill for an act relating to apprenticeships and establishing an Iowa office of apprenticeship and Iowa apprenticeship council.(See SF 318.)

IA HF639

A bill for an act relating to apprenticeships and establishing an Iowa office of apprenticeship and Iowa apprenticeship council.(Formerly HSB 82.)

IA SF402

A bill for an act establishing the cybersecurity simulation training center at the Iowa state university of science and technology, and making appropriations.(Formerly SSB 1160.)

IA HSB82

A bill for an act relating to apprenticeships and establishing an Iowa office of apprenticeship and Iowa apprenticeship council.(See HF 639.)

IA SSB1160

A bill for an act establishing the cybersecurity simulation training center at the Iowa state university of science and technology, and making appropriations.(See SF 402.)

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 HF2327

A bill for an act relating to higher education, including 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.(See HF 2558.)

IA HF139

A bill for an act establishing the cybersecurity simulation training center at the Iowa state university of science and technology, and making appropriations.(Formerly HSB 14; See HF 698.)

IA HF698

A bill for an act establishing the cybersecurity simulation training center at the Iowa state university of science and technology, and including contingent effective date provisions.(Formerly HF 139, HSB 14.)