Iowa Ideas 2024

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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Invited. Heard. Understood. Addressing DEI issues through solutions-driven, open conversation.

SESSION 2
Putting out the (authentic) welcome mat

Welcoming newcomers, especially ones from diverse backgrounds, can look different on paper than it does in practice. Who is leading the work to help everyone feel like they’re part of a community? This discussion will explore how local resources are working to build inclusive, accessible space for people new to Iowa, and how lack of effort may counteract less welcoming tones all the way to the state level.

October 10, 2024 at 10:40AM
SESSION 3
The Arts in a period of polarization

How does polarization have an impact on the arts in Iowa? How can presenters and makers show that Iowans embrace art from other places and spaces? How are arts organizations approaching risqué topics while planning programming? How can presenters and makers counteract?

October 10, 2024 at 11:45AM
SESSION 3
Environmental justice in Iowa

Climate change disproportionately impacts some groups- including low-income communities and people of color — and exposes them to climate-related hazards. They also have higher rates of existing medical conditions, and have limited financial and social resources, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This session will explore which communities are most vulnerable to climate change in Iowa and what solutions exist.

October 10, 2024 at 11:45AM
SESSION 4
Equitable treatment and services in health care

For immigrants who have just arrived in Iowa, emergency dental care may be one of the first issues that leads to seeking out medical treatment. But language barriers and cultural differences can make it difficult for refugee families to navigate the limited options. This session will discuss the barriers, resources and supports needed in Iowa for a growing diverse population.

October 10, 2024 at 1:55PM
SESSION 5
DEI on college campuses

Diversity, equity and inclusion efforts have met significant head winds at both the federal and state levels in recent months as national and state efforts have led to reduced DEI programming, reining in of diversity statements and increases in philosophical and ideological diversity on campuses. How are these changes impacting day-to-day operations, academic accreditation and image of Iowa's colleges and universities?

October 10, 2024 at 3:00PM
SESSION 6
Income and access to housing

A state law that went into effect in 2023 now makes income discrimination legal across the state. This session will explore the impact of the new law during the past year and the impact it’s had on Iowa’s more vulnerable communities.

October 11, 2024 at 9:40AM
SESSION 6
Potential in good conflict

Civil conversations can be the starting point to understand perspective across cultures. Why does anxiety often accompany the efforts? How can various positions on an issue engage constructively and respectfully? Is it possible to stir up "good trouble?" This session will explore effective, solutions-focused practices to bridge challenging conversations.

October 11, 2024 at 9:40AM
SESSION 6
Measuring effectiveness of special education and individual education plans

The achievement levels of special education students were cited as a primary reason the state’s AEA system should be reimagined. What does Iowa’s special education look like and what are best practices when it comes to determining the achievement and effectiveness of individual education plans?

October 11, 2024 at 9:40AM
SESSION 7
Literacy and reading under legislation being advanced by Iowa lawmakers

Iowa elementary school teachers would be required to teach literacy using the techniques commonly known as the "science of reading." Multiple studies have shown that students who are not able to read by third grade face much greater challenges in future academic success. What are Iowa's literacy scores compared to other states? How do they differ between racial and socioeconomic demographics? How are teachers receiving professional development in literacy, and are they seeing these tools pay off in the classroom?

October 11, 2024 at 11:50AM
SESSION 7
Righting the wrongs in the world of civil rights

Over the last five years, the number of civil rights complaints and investigations in Iowa has dramatically increased. What are some common themes in the current caseload? This session will look at how agencies are handling the surge, local government response, and possible impact when addressing civil rights violations for protected classes.

October 11, 2024 at 11:50AM

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Articles

Iowa Ideas: Iowans must go ‘beyond writing a check’ to advance diversity

Programs that promote diversity, equity and inclusion have been adopted by schools, businesses and government agencies across Iowa as a way to create opportunities for and encourage participation by historically marginalized and underrepresented groups. It’s intended to create a sense of belonging and respect. But DEI, as it’s widely known, has ...
Embracing diverse populations helps Storm Lake grow

A look at rural school districts in any direction will show that Storm Lake — a northwest Iowa city in Buena Vista County with a population between 10,000 and 15,000 — is in a very different position than its counterparts. Every district surrounding Storm Lake has a hyphenated name, indicating districts that have merged. As many of them face lon...
Lisa Kelly: Theatre Cedar Rapids roars on

The morning of March 16, 2020, the production teams at Theatre Cedar Rapids sent out daily rehearsal calls for our three then-upcoming, concurrent shows. We had a classic play rehearsing in our downstairs studio theater, a contemporary play four days from opening in our auditorium and a 28-member musical cast in rehearsals upstairs. I was the di...
Claudia Schabel: Move this unfinished conversation forward

Our world has a long history of conflict and conversation regarding humanity’s treatment of humanity. The current conversations about race, in particular, go back many, many years. Last year, the murder of George Floyd continued the debate about race in our country. In 2020, it’s estimated that between 16 million and 26 million people participat...
Iowa activists say their work is far from over

In the time since the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May 2020, social justice movements across the United States and in other countries have formed and reformed to in efforts to gain visibility for their ideas and their goals. In Iowa, two groups, by way of example — only some 30 miles apart — have taken different approaches.
Bruce Teague: Seek, listen to, act on the voices of the people

It seemed every day of 2020 presented a new situation. From the derecho to racial injustice to a pandemic, my first year as mayor of Iowa City taught me that no elected leader has all the answers, but every elected leader has the tools to get there — the voices of their people. I have always believed input from the community will yield more inno...
Iowa Ideas 2020 replay: Affordable Housing Challenges

Whether it's the derecho, coronavirus, or Iowa's rural housing challenges, finding affordable housing in Iowa will have a growing impact on Iowa's economy. What can communities do to help more projects get through the pipeline? Panelists include: Lauren Johnson, Polk County Housing Trust Fund; Stephanie Murphy, Cedar Rapids Neighborhood Finance ...
Iowa Ideas 2020 replay: Immigrants in Iowa

A look at the realities for immigrants arriving to Iowa and access to resources for success. Establishing a home, finding employment and connecting to a new community bring to light challenges that go unnoticed by many. Hear from panelists devoted to improving the process while recognizing the positive impact these individuals have to the state....
Iowa Ideas 2020 replay: Closing Keynote with David M. Kennedy

David M. Kennedy is the Executive Director of the National Network for Safe Communities, a project of John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City. Mr. Kennedy and the National Network support cities implementing strategic interventions to reduce violence, minimize arrest and incarceration, enhance police legitimacy, and strengthen rela...
Iowa Ideas 2020 replay: Closing the Achievement Gaps

The achievement gap in education is the disparity in academic performance between groups of students. In Iowa, that's students with economic hardship, individualized education plans (IEPs), English as Second Language and Black and Hispanic students. How can we close those gaps? How big of an impact is COVID having? What efforts hold the most pro...