On Tuesday, the Senate passed my bill (HF 437) requiring the University of Iowa to create a Center for Intellectual Freedom. The bill now awaits signature from the Governor. The bill establishes a Center for Intellectual Freedom as an independent academic center that shall conduct teaching and research in historical ideas, traditions, and texts that have shaped the American constitutional order and society.
The center will provide scholarship in all of the following:
- The texts and major debates that form the intellectual foundation of free societies, especially that of the United States.
- The principles, ideals, and institutions of the American constitutional order.
- The foundations of responsible leadership and informed citizenship.
- Expand the intellectual diversity of the university’s academic community.
- Foster civic engagement among university students and faculty.
- Coordinate with the center for cyclone civics at ISU and the Center for Civic Education at UNI to enable academic offerings that may be offered to students at any of the Regents institutions either in person or online.
The center may offer courses; develop certificate, minor, and major programs as well graduate programs; and offer degrees. This center shall offer at least one three-semester credit hour course in American history and civil government.
This is a great step forward for students who seek an unbiased knowledge and merit based education.
