A bill for an act establishing a school of intellectual freedom at the university of Iowa.(Formerly SF 127.)

Iowa Senate File 519 (SF519) was a legislative proposal introduced in March 2025 to establish a School of Intellectual Freedom at the University of Iowa. The bill aimed to create a dedicated academic unit focused on promoting intellectual diversity and freedom of thought. However, SF519 was withdrawn on April 15, 2025, and its provisions were incorporated into House File 437 (HF437), which proposed establishing a Center for Intellectual Freedom at the university. HF437 was signed into law on May 3, 2025, with an effective date of July 1, 2025.

Supporters of the legislation argued that establishing a Center for Intellectual Freedom would enhance academic discourse by encouraging diverse viewpoints and protecting free speech on campus. They believed it would provide a structured environment for students and faculty to engage in open and respectful debates on various topics, thereby strengthening the university's commitment to academic freedom.

Critics expressed concerns that the creation of such a center might lead to the promotion of specific ideological perspectives under the guise of intellectual diversity. They worried that it could divert resources from existing programs and potentially marginalize certain groups or viewpoints. Additionally, some questioned the necessity of a separate center, suggesting that existing university structures were sufficient to uphold intellectual freedom.