Despite questions about what “identity politics” entails and concerns about limiting what college instructors can teach in their classrooms, a bill to reimagine general education requirements at public universities has passed out of an Iowa House subcommittee.

In response to a proposal that would require the University of Iowa establish a “School of Intellectual Freedom,” UI plans to create a new “Center for Civic Dialogue and Leadership.”

A new "school of intellectual freedom" at the University of Iowa was among the sprawling higher ed priorities Iowa lawmakers advanced Tuesday.

Former Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad spoke Tuesday at a subcommittee meeting in support of legislation that would launch a “school of intellectual freedom” at the University of Iowa, countering critics who cited wastefulness and ideological drive.