In responding to a House proposal that would require the University of Iowa to establish a new “School of Intellectual Freedom,” a UI lobbyist on Tuesday announced campus plans to create a new “Center for Civic Dialogue and Leadership.

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.”

Iowa legislators introduce bill to establish School of Intellectual Freedom at UI, focusing on free inquiry and civic engagement

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.

"I know that most of the teachers are socialists but i think all viewpoints should be represented," Former Iowa Governor Terry Branstad said during a hearing at