IA HF856

Prohibits state entities (including state agencies, cities, counties, townships, and political subdivisions) from using any funds to establish or support diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices or employ DEI officers

Defines prohibited DEI activities as efforts to influence employee or student body composition based on race, sex, color, or ethnicity; promote differential treatment based on these characteristics; or advance concepts like unconscious bias, microaggressions, anti-racism, systemic oppression, gender theory, and related formulations

Exempts offices focused solely on legal compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws (Title IX, ADA, Civil Rights Act, Age Discrimination in Employment Act), academic course instruction, research, student organizations, mental health services, and federally required activities

Creates enforcement mechanisms allowing the attorney general to seek writs of mandamus and permitting students, alumni, and employees to file civil actions for injunctive relief against violating entities

Extends DEI restrictions to community colleges and reallocates unexpended funds from institutions governed by the Board of Regents to the Iowa workforce grant and incentive program fund; Division I takes effect immediately upon enactment