Iowa’s Board of Regents approved a plan to review general education courses at the state’s three public universities every two years for “substantial DEI” or critical race theory content, beginning with the 2026–27 academic year. The final approval came in a 5–3 vote. Board President Robert Cramer said the review is intended to bridge a disconnect between legislative expectations and classroom realities, adding that the process will not automatically cut classes or require new course work. The board’s estimate is that the reviews will take more than 1,000 staff hours at the regents’ office and the universities. A dissenting regent warned the approach could undermine institutional confidence and create a perception that academic content is subject to political review—especially as universities compete for students, employees, and investment. The plan is described as a less restrictive alternative to earlier proposed legislation that could have forced course changes or bans.