Earlier this week, a bill passed through the Iowa House of Representatives’ Education Committee, which seeks to defund any public institution that uses curriculum that puts slavery at the forefront of U.S. history.

The curriculum, which was originally written for the New York Times, was created by Waterloo native Nicole Hannah-Jones. It is called “the 1619 project.” 

The goal of the project, according to its webpage in the New York Times is to reframe the teaching of United States history, by placing slavery at the very top of the narrative. In addition, on its webpage, it teaches that without the effects of slavery, America would not be the economic and military power that it is today. 

Representative Skyler Wheeler, who wrote and sponsored the bill, said during the House Educational Committee meeting that the project, “seeks to tear down America, and will turn students into activists for leftist policies.”

However, Sen Herman Quirmbach D-23, who is the chair of the Senate Education Committee disagrees.

“I think we do need a broader perspective on the contributions of African Americans and how African Americans have been denied opportunities to contribute,” Quirmbach said. 

Though, this is not the primary reason for Quirmbach to oppose the bill. 

According to Quirmbach, the bill goes far past an infringement. In his words,  “It’s a blatant trampling of academic freedom.” 

This bill is one of many from Iowa lawmakers which seek to add more regulations to Iowa public universities.

These bills include Senate File 292, which seeks to survey university employees on their political views. As well as House File 49, which seeks to ban tenure.

These bills are facing challenges in committee, However,  Quirmbach has concerns that just by these bills being drafted, Iowa’s standing in the academic world will take a sharp hit.

“Even if these bills don’t pass, they have already damaged Iowa’s reputation and standing in the academic community,”  Quirmbach said, “This is a total mess.”