Official statements from University of Iowa and public announcements

University of Iowa to Close Gender, Women's, and Sexuality Studies Department, Launch Social and Cultural Analysis Major by July 1, 2025

Dec 28, 2024, 11:53 PM

The University of Iowa has announced plans to close its Gender, Women's, and Sexuality Studies department, a move that aligns with broader efforts to scale back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the state. The decision follows the Iowa state Board of Regents' approval of recommendations to reduce DEI programs across public universities. Under the proposed plan, the university intends to close not only the Gender, Women's, and Sexuality Studies department but also the American Studies department and the current majors in American Studies and Social Justice, which together have fewer than 60 students. In their place, the University of Iowa plans to establish a new major in Social and Cultural Analysis, which is expected to start on July 1, 2025, pending approval at the February Board of Regents meeting. This restructuring aims to create more sustainable structures and room for innovative curricula, as stated by Sara Sanders, dean of the University of Iowa's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.