Officials from the University of Iowa’s Student Life Division are reportedly acknowledging state and federal guidelines, actively seeking ways to navigate these regulations, according to a newly surfaced video. In a covert investigation, Drea Tinoco, the assistant director for leadership and student organizational development, highlighted how university leaders are winding down DEI initiatives. Yet, Tinoco notes that this hasn’t prevented her or others from continuing such measures.
“We’re basically trying to find a way to operate [despite the bans]. We thought, ‘Oh, we can’t use that term? Okay, let’s refer to it as ‘civil involvement.’” It feels like a workaround—something along those lines. Tinoco’s comments were caught on the video, explaining why references to DEI don’t appear on the university’s website, even if the actions themselves are still happening.
The university seems to be managing fallout amid concerns about supporting reverse discrimination while concealing illegal practices. Recently, other institutions, including Vanderbilt and the University of Tennessee, were also recorded discussing strategies to rebrand and maintain controversial programs under different names, such as “access and engagement.”
“It absolutely still exists here,” Tinoco reiterated during an interview. She indicated that her superiors back efforts against the orders to eliminate DEI policies, emphasizing that, in collaboration with other institutions, the University of Iowa often takes a more “militant” approach in removing DEI elements.
“We’re still going to discuss DEI initiatives,” she stated. “So far, no one’s told me, ‘Dre, you can’t say that.’ I plan on continuing to use the term.” Tinoco expressed a sense of pride in her team’s ongoing efforts to resist the anti-DEI directives from the state and federal levels, mentioning potential legal loopholes, like fostering student groups that are protected under freedom of association rights.
Meanwhile, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, who has been vocal against the DEI policies, plans to address this issue with the Attorney General for further investigation into the school’s actions. Reynolds emphasized the importance of compliance with the state’s anti-DEI law established earlier this year.
The university responded to these revelations by asserting that its faculty are committed to compliance and will launch an internal review to address the situation. A spokesperson stated that all necessary actions would be taken to ensure adherence to both university policies and applicable laws.
