June 05, 2026
The new law requires “comprehensive survey” courses in American history and government.
Bill Clark/CQ–Roll Call Inc./Getty Images
Future undergraduates at Iowa’s three public universities must take a “comprehensive survey of all American history” course, plus a second such course in American government, following legislation signed this week by Gov. Kim Reynolds. Civics centers, which often lean conservative, will pick which classes fulfill the requirement.
Starting in fall 2028, new undergrads at the University of Iowa, Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa must complete these courses. The law, House File 2800, says civics centers at Iowa State and UNI will designate which courses meet the requirement. But at the University of Iowa, the law’s requirement is more prescriptive: The Center for Intellectual Freedom is the only academic unit that will offer the courses at the flagship institution.
