Editors note: Brother Matt chose to only be referred to as “Brother Matt” for the sake of this article.

On Thursday, Iowa State University students gathered to protest the implications of Iowa Senate File 2435 (SF 2435), specifically section nine, which threatens Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs at public universities. The law restricts funding for initiatives that support marginalized communities, sparking concern among students who benefit from these programs.

“We are fighting to save programs that fall under DEI… Iowa State, U of I, and UNI are not allowed to fund programs that fall under DEI, and they made that a pretty broad definition,” Silvera Dudenhoefer, a junior in animal science and one of the protest organizers, said. ”We want the board [of Regents] to keep these programs as intact as possible within the bounds of the law.”

The law’s broad reach could impact student support spaces such as the LGBTQIA+ Student Success Center, the Multicultural Student Affairs Office and the Margaret Sloss Women’s Center. Dudenhoefer emphasized how crucial these spaces are, especially for marginalized students.

“These are physical spaces,” Dudenhoefer said.”The Sloss House is a house on campus… If those spaces were no longer designated for those purposes, that would already negatively impact students and our ability to build communities.”

The protest drew attention to the uncertain future of these programs, with students like Jackie Snook, a junior in economics, expressing concerns about how the legislation could impact more than just spaces.

“We are trying to spread awareness of this law,” Snook said. “A lot of people here on campus don’t even know that this law exists. This law, specifically the DEI provision in it, would take us back… We don’t want to go back there.”

While the students protested, a counter-demonstrator named Brother Matt from Missouri opposed their message.

“This is an abomination to God, sodomy, homosexuality… God’s angry with the wicked every day,” Brother Matt said. “We’re here to stand for Jesus with authority and call sinners to repent, including sodomites.”

At 11:20 a.m., an undercover police officer had to intervene when tensions escalated between Brother Matt and the protestors. The officer stepped in to prevent Matt from physically pushing protestors.

Despite the tense exchange, the protest maintained its focus on raising awareness and advocating for student rights, as well as broader community support.

Reverend Jen Hibben of Collegiate Presbyterian Church spoke about the church’s involvement.

“We have students who are affected by this bill,” Hibben said. “We wanted to make sure that this isn’t just one group of students. There are other organizations in the wider community that think DEI is essential… Social justice in general is an important part of our understanding of what our church should do.”

Thuy Pham, a first-year student studying genetics and bystander watching the protest, echoed this sentiment.

“I do stand for the meaning of the protest,” Pham said. “It’s really important. These values matter in Iowa especially.”

As chants of “Stop the Bill” and “DEI saves lives” echoed across campus, the message was clear: students and their allies were determined to make their voices heard.

While Iowa State’s administration has worked with the Board of Regents to comply with state law, students like Dudenhoefer and Snook remain vigilant, advocating for the preservation of spaces that provide community and support for marginalized students.

Angie Hunt, spokesperson for the university, provided a statement regarding SF 2345 in an email exchange with the Daily a week before the protest. Upon seeing the news of the protest, she provided a revised statement.

“University leaders recognize the concerns voiced by students, faculty and staff related to state legislation on diversity, equity and inclusion,” Hunt stated. “The university remains committed to providing a welcoming environment that allows all students to succeed. Iowa State has worked with the Iowa Board of Regents to comply with the state law. The plan will be shared with the board at the November meeting.”

With the board scheduled to meet in November to discuss the future of these programs, students remain hopeful that their protests and advocacy will influence the decision-making process.

“We’re the ones putting money in their pockets, so it won’t hurt to listen to us,” Dudenhoefer said.

For more information on SF 2435, visit the Iowa State Legislature website.