The Kentucky House voted 68-18 to cut funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices at public universities, escalating a broader Republican effort to curb such initiatives nationwide. The bill, now returning to a Senate that previously passed a different version, aims to ban race-based scholarships and prohibit DEI offices and staff positions at public universities. It also seeks to prevent the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education from approving degrees requiring courses with “discriminatory concepts.”
Republican Rep. Jennifer Decker championed the bill, arguing it would end what she sees as failed and discriminatory DEI practices, while promoting an inclusive environment. In contrast, Democrats, like Rep. Nima Kulkarni, defended DEI programs as crucial for supporting traditionally underrepresented students, warning the bill could lead to economic boycotts, students leaving the state, and impact the recruitment of Black student-athletes. The bill also raises concerns about restricting academic freedom and the teaching of history regarding systemic inequality. Critics fear the legislation reflects a trend toward limiting diversity initiatives, a concern amplified by the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision ending affirmative action at universities.
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