The UI's relatively new Division of Access, Opportunity and Diversity has been ordered to close by the Iowa Board of Regents.

The University of Iowa announced today it will close its Division of Access, Opportunity, and Diversity on March 27.

After strident pushback from Republican lawmakers who accused the University of Iowa of falling short of its mandate to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts on campus, UI officials on Thursday announced plans to close its renamed “Division of Access,

Supporters of the bill said this requirement favoring Iowa residents and people educated in Iowa would lead to higher physician retention.

A bill passed by the Iowa House would require at least 80 percent of students accepted by the University of Iowa’s medical and dental schools be residents of Iowa. The schools would also have to prioritize Iowa natives as well as those who’ve graduated from Iowa universities for medical residency and fellowship spots in University

Iowa House lawmakers approved a bill Wednesday to require the University of Iowa’s College of Medicine and Dentistry to have at least 80 percent of students admitted be from Iowa or have attended an Iowa college or university prior to applying.