Kentucky public universities are reviewing how to implement anti-DEI law
Republished from Kentucky Lantern
Following the passage of a Kentucky law that eliminates diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in higher education, the state’s public universities say they are reviewing how they are required to implement the law.
The Republican-controlled Kentucky General Assembly overturned Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear’s veto of House Bill 4 last month. The bill’s primary sponsor, Rep. Jennifer Decker, R-Waddy, said during deliberation on her bill that it “would allow our universities and colleges to return to their focus away from social engineering to provide Kentucky students with excellent academic instruction in an environment that fosters critical thinking through open, constructive dialog.”
However, at least one Kentucky college student, Bradley Price, says the law will change the culture of her campus “and it’s going to be irreparable.”
Price, a Black student who enrolled in the University of Louisville’s Pan-African Studies program because of the university’s reputation as a diverse institution, frequently went to Frankfort throughout the legislative session to protest against the bill. Price was among advocates who witnessed Beshear sign the veto for the legislation.
“Obviously, it was the outcome that I knew was coming, but I was still utterly disappointed, for lack of a better term,” Price said of the overturned veto in a recent interview with the Kentucky Lantern.
Price, a junior, said she’s already seeing some changes at UofL, such as a sign promoting diversity in business being taken down, and has heard name changes may be coming to programs for Martin Luther King scholars to comply with HB 4. When asked about those changes, UofL spokesperson John Karman said he could not speculate “on potential impacts at this point.”
Though she is originally from Kentucky, Price feels like continuing her education in the state would be a challenge. She wants to pursue a PhD in English literature and ultimately teach in higher education herself.
“I’m personally discouraged from continuing any more education in Kentucky,” Price said. “I don’t see any value in it. It’s exhausting having my identities constantly attacked every legislative session.”
Universities review the law
HB 4 directs the governing boards of Kentucky’s public universities to enact a policy by June 30 to meet requirements under the law such as not restricting scholarship eligibility criteria on the basis of religion, race, sex, color, or national origin and not requiring or encouraging students to complete courses “of which the primary purpose is to indoctrinate participants with a discriminatory concept.”
Next year on July 1, each institution must begin submitting annual certification to the Council on Postsecondary Education to verify the institution has not spent money to support DEI programs.
Newly installed UofL President Gerry Bradley told members of the Faculty Senate earlier this month that the university was reviewing the law with all general counsels of Kentucky public universities and the office of Attorney General Russell Coleman to “determine what exactly are the provisions of this bill and what are the carve outs and where is the crossing the line.”
He expanded on those comments in a press conference the next day and emphasized that UofL would remain a “community of care” for all students while meeting the requirements of the law. Bradley also said he plans to meet with students, faculty and staff as part of a listening tour throughout the rest of 2025.
“And clearly our intent is we will comply with law, but we will clearly continue with our mission, which is to make every person feel like they belong here, that they are a part of our community, and that means different things for different people, and I think we have to be meeting people in those spaces, and we have to support them,” Bradley said.
Last year, the University of Kentucky and Northern Kentucky University closed their DEI offices after a similar bill failed to pass during the 2024 legislative session.
In response to the Lantern, UK spokesperson Jay Blanton said the university “will, of course, comply with the law” and added that “we believe UK already complies with the legislation” based on changes initiated last fall under President Eli Capilouto’s direction, such as closing UK’s DEI office.
“We will be working with the other institutions and the Council on Postsecondary Education with respect to the required survey,” Blanton said. “Further, the legislation contains clear language protecting academic freedom and instruction, which we communicate with our campus community about regularly.”
At NKU, President Cady Short-Thompson wrote in a March 28 campus-wide email that the university “will make the necessary changes to ensure we comply with the law” but will continue to support all students, faculty and staff. She announced that some programs on campus would have their names changed to reflect the law, such as renaming the “Center for Student Inclusiveness” to the “Center for Community and Connections.”
“These are challenging decisions and times; yet our mission of student access and success has never been more essential,” Short-Thompson wrote. “It is my sincere hope that we can reimagine a way to build connections across our students and colleagues in new and still meaningful ways, learning from one another about our various differences and similarities. I believe in the strength, dedication, and impact of the people of Northern Kentucky University. We will navigate these challenges together.”
Other public universities and colleges in Kentucky echoed those sentiments. April Hobbs Nutter, a spokesperson for Morehead State University, said its general counsel is reviewing the law and MSU will “remain dedicated to our mission of providing a high-quality education and fostering an environment where our students can succeed.”
Jace Lux, Western Kentucky University spokesperson, said the university “remains committed to maintaining a welcoming and supportive environment for all members of our campus community.” WKU’s general counsel and campus leadership are reviewing all passed legislation to determine how it will impact the university. Before part of HB 4 takes effect this summer, Lux said “we will share any necessary updates with the campus community.”
Eastern Kentucky University is also reviewing the law and plans to comply with it, said spokesperson Sarah Baker in a statement.
“Our employees work hard to provide support services that help all our students cross the finish line at graduation and obtain their degrees,” Baker said. “We will continue to work tirelessly every day to meet our students where they are, provide them with world-class academic programming and support their journey.”
Murray State University said in a statement that it is “continuing to thoughtfully navigate possible impacts enacted at the state and federal levels” like other higher education institutions within Kentucky and nationwide.
“As we continue to assess and adjust as needed, Murray State remains committed to the success and support of all of our students throughout their collegiate experience,” the statement said.
Kentucky State University, the state’s only public historically Black college or university, is reviewing the bill and its requirements, said spokesperson Jessica Holman. The university declined to give an official statement at this time.
The Kentucky Community and Technical College System has been “reviewing programs, events, and resources to verify compliance with HB 4,” said spokesperson Blair Hess. KCTCS plans to comply with the law as well.
“KCTCS has and will continue to provide support to all students to ensure they are successful in completing their credential and entering the workforce as prepared and skilled as possible,” Hess said. “We are committed to educating the workforce of Kentucky, and that does not have to change.”
When asked about her thoughts on universities planning to comply with the law while continuing to support students, Price said that’s likely not possible.
“I just don’t think it’s feasible for the schools to be able to support all their students if legally they are not allowed to even have programs that support their marginalized students,” she said. “I don’t think it’s going to work.”
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