Iowa’s Three State Universities Explore Cost-Cutting Measures. Here’s a Thought.

#NoMoreIowaProud

My recent editorial examines the wastefulness of the Center for Intellectual Freedom at the University of Iowa. Iowa lawmakers allocated $1 million to open the center. Maintenance expenses will run about $1.5 million per year. The center’s director canceled the first class because only one student enrolled. Only 19 students—about 30 percent of capacity—enrolled in two later classes.

Imagine my surprise when I then read two news articles about Iowa’s state universities.

One article reports that all three universities project a budget shortfall for the next school year. Administrators at the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and the University of Northern Iowa are considering ways to cut costs. They estimate a combined deficit of at least $15.7 million.

Another article reports that UI and UNI asked the Iowa Board of Regents to end or combine some degree programs because of low student interest. ISU expects to ask for the elimination of at least one program in the coming months.

Here’s a thought. How about eliminating the Center for Intellectual Freedom? That would address both needs. Lowering costs while removing a low-interest program. But, no. Gov. Reynolds, Iowa legislators, and the Board of Regents wouldn’t go for it. They put way too much effort into getting this bastion of conservative “free thought” off the ground to ever do away with it.

So, Iowa taxpayers get stuck paying millions for a project that’s popular only among the lawmakers who willed it into existence. That’s our tax dollars at work.