Linn County Board registers opposition to Senate File 507 restricting DEI programs

The Linn County Board of Supervisors voted Wednesday to register the county as "against" Senate File 507, legislation before the Iowa Legislature that attendees said would restrict local diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs.

The vote came after a department head briefing and several supervisors' comments about local control and the role of DEI work in Linn County. Darren Gage, Director of Policy and Administration, told the board that "Linn County is currently registered as undecided" and summarized the bill as one that "restricts county and city diversity equity inclusion programs" and limits related activities.

Supervisors debating the registration framed the issue primarily as one of local control. "I personally think this is an issue of local control for one," said Supervisor (unnamed), adding that the state should not dictate county programs or hiring practices. Another supervisor said, "This is a no brainer for me to be against," and connected DEI work to what they described as part of the county's fabric.

After discussion, a supervisor moved that the Linn County Board of Supervisors register as against Senate File 507; another supervisor seconded the motion. The board chair called for the vote; board members voiced approval and opposition, and the motion carried.

The board did not amend local policies during the session; the action was to register the county's position with respect to the bill. The transcript does not record a roll-call vote with individual yes/no votes; the public record shows the board's formal position as "against" Senate File 507 following the motion.

No additional legislative items were taken up after the vote and the meeting adjourned.