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Zachary Oren Smith
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UI WRAC DISOLVED - I obtained an internal University of Iowa email announcing the dissolution of the Women's Resource and Action Center (WRAC) as a standalone unit, dispersing its programs and staff across other departments. Read the full email: (1/4)
On why this is happening now, UI’s memo states: “When leadership positions are vacated, it is standard practice to review portfolios and make adjustments.”
That’s the university confirming the pattern my source described. (7/8)
One more thing to watch: WRAC’s counseling services will continue through the 2026-27 academic year. After that, UI says the service model “may be adjusted.” That’s the same gradual erosion ISL documented at RVAP before its closure in 2024.(8/8)
UI confirms neither the WRAC director nor the well-being and basic needs assistant dean positions will be refilled following retirements. Asked if financial savings are expected, the talking points answer plainly: yes. (6/8)
Zachary Oren Smith
The announcement says the changes align with Board of Regents directives to find "opportunities for efficiency and revenue."
I reached out to UI for comment. More soon. (4/4)
Still waiting to hear back from the UI on my questions and records request. BUT they did send over an internal talking point memo that offers additional insight:
The reason given to staff, per a source: budget pressure and directives from the Iowa Board of Regents. The move follows the retirement of longtime WRAC director Linda Kroon. (2/4)
It's not the first time. In 2024, UI closed its Rape Victim Advocacy Program — the main sexual violence service provider for an 8-county SE Iowa region — offloading services onto a local nonprofit with funding still unresolved at the time of closure. (3/4) www.iowapublicradio.org/ipr-news/202...
QUICK UPDATE: UI disputes the characterization. They sent over their internal talking points memo: “We are not dissolving WRAC.” But the documents confirm its programs are being split across three separate departments.
Here’s what else the memo reveals: (5/8)
SEN GARRETT PASSES - State Sen. Julian Garrett has died. Earlier this year he announced a cancer diagnosis. Garrett covered an area that included Indianola and Knoxville. wcfcourier.com/news/state-r...
