University Students Speak Out Against Anti-DEI Actions at Board of Regents Meeting

Directing universities to wipe DEI information from websites and course curriculum directly opposes the board’s mission to be a steward of quality instruction, research and service to Iowans, she said

Iowa State University student Binx Hilton speaks to the Iowa Board of Regents during public comment on April 23, 2025. (Photo by Brooklyn Draisey/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

Daniela Pintor-Mendoza stood up before the Iowa Board of Regents Wednesday, a crowd of people holding signs and waving flags behind her.

She spoke during the board’s public comment period to express her feelings as a “proud” University of Iowa student about decisions made by the board to reduce diversity, equity and inclusion practices at state universities.

Directing universities to wipe DEI information from websites and course curriculum directly opposes the board’s mission to be a steward of quality instruction, research and service to Iowans, she said.

“These actions are not just policy shifts,” Pintor-Mendoza said. “They are an attack on the values of fairness, success, access and representation.”

A coalition of Iowa State University and University of Iowa students used public comment and protests outside of the ISU Alumni Center to raise their voices against the Iowa Board of Regents’ actions diminishing diversity, equity and inclusion and creating other negative impacts on their campuses.

Students at both institutions have held protests against anti-DEI measures before, calling on the board and their administrations to support students of color, LGBTQ+ students and others rather than push them to the side at the behest of the state and federal government.