DEI or DIE Part 3: Administration Closes DEI Office, Answers Student Questions
Above: St. Ambrose President Dr. Amy Novak answers a question during the student forum in early April. Photo courtesy of SAUTV.
SAU Media major and Buzz e-news reporter Grant Ward continues their special spring semester series on the issues of DEI at St. Ambrose. In part 3, they explore ongoing changes and the closure of the DEI office.
On Friday, April 11th, St. Ambrose President Dr. Amy Novak emailed SAU faculty and staff to confirm closure of the campus DEI Office. “In response to state legislation and, to a lesser extent, federal guidance, St. Ambrose University has formally moved to close its DEI office…”
This email comes after discussions from Sunday, March 9th’s student forum.
In an interview with SAUTV, Jack Day, Student Government Association President, said the student forum was created due to the recent DEI legislation.
Day said, “We just want students to be as informed as possible.”
Iowa Tuition Grant Funding’s Effect
HSB 60, a bill prohibiting DEI offices for private institutions participating in the Iowa Tuition Grant Program, was one of the main discussion points and impetus for the eventual decision to close DEI.
When discussing HSB 60 during the student forum, Dr. Novak stated, “If private institutions do not eliminate the office of diversity, equity, and inclusion, then students who received the Iowa Tuition Grant would no longer be eligible to receive that grant…
“It’s directly connected to Student Financial Aid.”
In an email, Dr. Novak explained, “The Iowa Tuition Grant provides essential financial support to many of our students.
“Preserving access to this funding is critical to our mission to serve a holistic student body, especially those with limited financial means.
“In recent years, between 400 and 500 students have been awarded the Iowa Tuition Grant.
“We are making difficult but necessary decisions to align with funding requirements while still living out our Catholic mission to prioritize access, support, and care for those on the margins.”
DEI Renaming and Position Changes
Dr. Novak announced during the forum, “We will be…renaming and retitling people’s positions…
“But that will not eliminate the support that our students continue to get through those particular areas and offices.”
In an email, Dr. Novak clarified that “Both Ryan Saddler and Fritz Dieudonné are continuing to work in ensuring all students receive the support they need.”
In her email to faculty and staff, Dr. Novak said, “I respect the work that Ryan and Fritz accomplished during their tenure in the DEI office…
“And I appreciate their willingness and flexibility in transitioning to different roles serving the university.”
DEI Removed From SAU’s Website
Complying with funding requirements, DEI has been removed from the St. Ambrose website. This includes removing the DEI page link in the “About SAU” section and any mention of DEI on other University web pages.
In an email, Dr. Novak stated, “We are in the process of updating and expanding…to focus on student belonging, justice, and holistic support.
“These updates reflect our values as a Catholic university: to form a community grounded in love, compassion, and respect for all.
“While language and structures may shift, the commitment to ensuring every student feels seen, valued, and supported is as strong as ever.”
Effect on Student Clubs and Organizations
Dr. Novak told students during the forum that she believes, “The primary goal of the Iowa legislation is that no one feels excluded…that’s been our hope all the time.
“The reality is all of our clubs and organizations are open to people regardless of background. We’ll continue to do that as we move forward.”
During the student forum, Amber Warak, PRISM member, responded to Dr. Novak. Warak asked, “You mentioned that while it may not have an impact on students, staff might be slightly more affected.
“In terms of the club side, is there any concern about the advisor role being shifted away?”
Dr. Novak responded, “We have advisers for all the student clubs and organizations…we anticipate that continuing.
“The question is the degree to which they can be involved in activities like a Unity March…I don’t think it’s going to be problematic, but it’s something we’re verifying.”
The Current Curriculum
Administrators say current students will still take DEI classes, but a new general curriculum could change in the Fall of 2026.
During the student forum, Dr. Novak clarified, “Right now, the legislation does not dive into the curriculum…
“Topics that might have normally been associated with our diversity, equity, and inclusion office are still topics that can be talked about, discussed, and presented within the context of our classrooms.”
Joseph Roidt, Vice President for Academic Affairs Provost, added, “Being a private university right now works in our favor…
“If you look at the University of Iowa, they’re establishing a school with a certain bent with the idea of trying to correct to the balance…
“…Because we are not a state institution, we pretty much have autonomy to decide…what gets taught rather than having to listen to the legislature in terms of what they think should be taught.
“We’re in the process of reimagining our general education curriculum. Currently, we have a DEI requirement that lives outside the general education curriculum, so it’s not technically a general education requirement…”
Dr. Novak finished, “If you’re a current student, you’re going to continue to take those DEI requirements…
“The Fall of 2026 is when the new curriculum is being added, which was being worked on long before any of the limitations on DEI came into place.”
Moving Forward Through Catholic Social Teaching
Before opening the forum up for questions, Dr. Novak stated, “There’s a sense of woundedness or a sense of anger, and I think all of that is legitimate, and I want to recognize that and certainly appreciate that.
“I do want you to hear from an institutional perspective: we’re really here to advocate and support all of you.”
Dr. Novak addressed in her email that moving forward, “Our next chapter is one of dialogue, discernment, and recommitment.
“We are actively engaging students, faculty, and staff in shaping how we continue this important work through the lens of Catholic social teaching.
“Rather than narrowing our focus, we are grounding it more deeply in faith — in our belief in the inherent worth of every person, in the power of community, and in our shared call to work for justice and love.
“This conversation is not ending — it is maturing.”
If you have any questions about ongoing changes to the University, please contact [email protected]
Read Part 1: SAU Leaders Review DEI After Federal & State Pressure
