The University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, one of the state regents institutions that a tenure ban would devastate. Credit: University of Northern Iowa.
With complete control of the governor’s office and both houses of the General Assembly, the Iowa Republican Party passed some terrible anti-science, anti-intellectual bills last year, in a pandemic-shortened session.
But that doesn’t compare with what they’re attempting this year.
The GOP increased its majority in both houses in the 2020 election, apparently emboldening its caucus. Besides further restricting voting, they’re considering expanding exemptions for vaccinations and forbidding businesses – even hospitals and clinics – from requiring vaccines for employees.
But the worst of a bad bunch might be the attempt to ban tenure, the policy that helps protect academic freedom, at the state universities.
What would it mean for Iowa?
Iowa Science Interface 