The chill of late November didn’t stop Iowa State students from gathering at Parks Library on Wednesday morning for their second protest against Senate File 2435 (SF 2435).

Starting at 11 a.m., chants such as “DEI saves lives” echoed as students and allies voiced their frustrations with the Board of Regents’ recent decisions to scale back funding for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs.

This time, the energy was even more urgent. Protesters called on the University to prioritize student voices after the Regents approved a plan that could impact spaces and programs designed to support marginalized groups.

Sen. Herman Quirmbach was among the supporters present at the protest, offering comments on the University’s responsibilities.

“They have a legal obligation under the Iowa Civil Rights Act to provide equal educational opportunities to all students regardless of not just sex and race and religion, but also sexual orientation and gender identity,” Quirmbach said.

Reflecting on the Board of Regents’ response to SF 2435, Quirmbach expressed his disappointment.

“I’m disappointed in the Board of Regents that they seem to have embraced instead of resisted this intrusion,” Quirmbach said. “They should be defending the university and the values of free speech, intellectual freedom and academic integrity.”

Quirmbach also shared potential pathways to preserve DEI programs despite the restrictions of SF 2435. He emphasized that student organizations remain a viable route for creating inclusive spaces.

“There’s a strong precedent that once the University allows for recognized student organizations, it cannot discriminate on the basis of point of view,” Quirmbach said. “If these students want to form organizations or work with existing ones, that’s a path that’s wide open to them.”

Quirmbach also highlighted exemptions within the law that students and faculty could leverage to maintain DEI initiatives.

“Academic departments are not considered DEI offices under this law,” Quirmbach said. “Promoting DEI-related courses or bringing in guest speakers are avenues that remain available.”

He further suggested using the University’s accreditation standards and federal funding requirements to advocate for DEI programs, as these often include non-discrimination clauses.

One of the protest’s key organizers, Silvera Dudenhoefer, expressed frustration with both the University administration and the Board of Regents.

“We want the university to know that we don’t like what they decided to do with it, and we want the board to know that we don’t like that they approved it,” Dudenhoefer said. “They need to prioritize taking a stance because they serve students ultimately.”

Reflecting on the Regents’ decisions, Dudenhoefer described a sense of resignation and determination.

“There’s always that part of you that wants them to care enough about it to do something,” Dudenhoefer said. “But I kind of expected nothing less from a group of people who are just paid by the government to remain neutral.”

For Dudenhoefer, the heart of the fight lies in building community.

“Being involved within your own community and making an effort to build connections shows people that you care and that those spaces and the people involved are important,” Dudenhoefer said.

Terry Miles, a local Ames resident and member of the LGBTQ+ community, also attended the protest. Miles said the Regents’ actions felt like a setback.

“It’s a reminder that though we’ve come so far, this is a setback,” Miles said. “We’re allowing people who are not in touch with their students to govern them.”

Miles highlighted the importance of collective action and shared ways for others to get involved.

“There are two petitions on change.org: one asking the Board of Regents to restrict changes or push back against legislation, and the other to overturn Section 9 of Senate Filing 2435,” Miles said. “You can also come to campus and meet with students or staff still in positions allowed to work with diversity.”

For Miles, the stakes are high.

“DEI is a support system not just for the LGBTQ+ community, but for women, people of color and especially women of color,” Miles said. “Losing these resources will likely lead to decreased university enrollment. Students will go elsewhere.”

Junior economics major Jackie Snook shared their reaction to the Regents’ decision, calling it disheartening.

“It really felt like the board ignored us,” Snook said. “We were very vocal about how we don’t want these changes implemented, but it feels like they just didn’t care.”

Snook also raised concerns about how future decisions could impact other critical programs.

“Although they weren’t directly under attack this time, I feel like if the ISU administration gets told to go even further in their changes, then who knows what could happen,” Snook said.

Despite the cold weather, Snook said the protest was necessary.

“We just really had to get that message out more and spread even more awareness because a lot of people still aren’t even aware that this law exists,” Snook said.

As Quirmbach reminded students, the path to change is often forged by those willing to act.

“It’s up to students to organize and speak out in support of diversity,” Quirmbach said. “The pathways are there, and now it’s about taking action.”