HF856 prohibits public entities—including state agencies, counties, cities, school districts, community colleges, and public universities—from spending any public or private funds on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices, roles, or initiatives. It defines DEI broadly to include programs, trainings, or policies based on race, gender identity, sexual orientation, "social justice" concepts, and similar topics. The bill also enables enforcement through actions by the attorney general or lawsuits brought by employees, students, or alumni seeking injunctions.

The Iowa State Senate passed HF856 on May 9, 2025 by a vote of 34 to 16. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because the goal of DEI is to pit Americans against each other. Reverse racism is still racism. Instead of pushing for equal protection under the law, which is what the Constitution upholds, DEI programs in school push for equity, which is rooted in communism and is part of the Marxist agenda.