Democratic House Candidate Pushes for Implicit Bias Training Bill
Christina Bohanan, a Democratic candidate for the House in Iowa, is advocating for a new bill in the state legislature that would mandate implicit bias training for healthcare workers during national emergencies. Bohanan, who previously served in Congress and is a law professor at the University of Iowa focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), is seeking a congressional seat in Iowa’s 1st District, currently held by Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks. This district has become a focal point, particularly following a tightly contested race in 2024.
During her tenure in the Iowa State Assembly from January 2021 to January 2023, Bohanan introduced a bill requiring implicit bias training for healthcare professionals, a move prompted by the ongoing shortage of healthcare workers at the time.
The legislation specifically stipulated that individuals applying for licenses in the profession would need to complete an approved implicit bias training course or demonstrate that they had received similar training recognized by the relevant licensing board.
At that time, local news highlighted the serious staffing shortages in hospitals as COVID-19 cases were rising, leading to increased demand for traveling nurses from other states.
Critics, like National Republican Congressional Committee spokesperson Emily Tuttle, have accused Bohanan of prioritizing lectures over practical solutions for the state’s issues. “Her political agenda is completely out of touch with the needs of Iowa families,” Tuttle remarked.
Additionally, Bohanan’s past comments have drawn attention, particularly a statement made in a 2021 podcast where she suggested Iowa would seem “backward” without a focus on DEI practices in education, emphasizing that implicit bias is a very real issue. “If passed, I think it would be very polarizing,” she commented regarding a bill aimed at banning such practices.
Bohanan expressed concerns that such legislation would portray Iowa negatively and fail to recognize the existence of systemic racism. Furthermore, her commitment to progressive ideals became evident when she opposed Iowa’s “back the blue” law during periods of civil unrest, actively defending protesters during the Black Lives Matter movement, even amid conflicts with law enforcement.
This upcoming race holds significance as Bohanan nearly unseated Miller-Meeks in 2024, capturing 49.8% of the vote compared to Miller-Meeks’ 50%, highlighting their close competition in the district.
