March 19th 2024.
On March 15, the Kentucky House made a decision that could have a significant impact on the state's public universities. With a vote of 68-15, they approved a measure that would eliminate funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion offices at these institutions. This means that these offices, which are responsible for promoting diversity and inclusivity on campus, would no longer receive financial support from the government.
This vote was in response to Senate Bill 6, which is now headed back to the Senate for further consideration. However, the House made some changes to the bill before passing it. They replaced some of the language with stricter wording, taking a tougher stance on DEI initiatives at public universities. Under the new version, race-based scholarships would be banned, and DEI offices and staff positions would no longer receive funding. Additionally, the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, which oversees public universities, would be prohibited from approving degrees that include "discriminatory concepts" as prerequisites.
Representative Jennifer Decker, who supported the bill, believes that it will create a more inclusive and welcoming culture on campus. She stated that it would put an end to the "failed, expensive, and discriminatory" DEI initiatives at public universities in Kentucky. However, the decision is not final yet. The GOP-controlled Senate will have the opportunity to accept or reject the new version in the coming days, and there may be opposition from House members as well.
Many Democratic lawmakers are concerned about the potential consequences of this bill, particularly for minority students on campus. This includes students from racial minorities, the LGBTQ+ community, individuals with disabilities, and those from low-income or rural backgrounds. They see the legislation as damaging and limiting to the opportunities of these students.
Representative Nima Kulkarni, who opposes the bill, believes that DEI programs are essential for creating and maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for underrepresented students and faculty on college campuses. She also expressed concerns about the bill's restrictions on the concepts that professors can teach, especially in subjects like history. Kulkarni believes that students deserve to learn about all aspects of our history, including the progress and setbacks related to equality and diversity.
One group that has been particularly vocal about their opposition to this legislation is students. On the same day that the bill passed, students at the University of Louisville held a protest. This came shortly after the university's president, Kim Schatzel, sent an email stating that she could not support any legislation that limits the university's DEI efforts. However, students feel that her words are "empty" and that the administration is not taking their concerns seriously.
Two students, Elizabeth Hinsdale and Savannah Dowell, who are studying Women's, Gender, and Sexuality, are worried that their degree may fall under the new bill's definition of "discriminatory concepts." They fear that if the bill becomes law, they may have to transfer out of state to continue their studies. Mya Jackson, a recipient of the Porter scholarship, which is awarded specifically to Black or African American students in Louisville, also shares this concern. She worries that she may not be able to continue her education at the university if the bill passes.
The impact of this legislation is not limited to Kentucky. The NAACP has also weighed in, responding to a similar situation at the University of Florida. In a letter, their president, Derrick Johnson, warned that these actions could have consequences for NCAA athletes considering playing at these schools. He stated that the protection of the community and the progression of culture should be a top priority, and urged students to consider their future and education when making decisions.
If the bill does pass, there is still a possibility that it could be vetoed by Governor Andy Beshear. During a recent march commemorating the 60th anniversary of the March on Frankfort, Beshear stated that he would veto any legislation that would limit DEI practices at public universities. He believes that diversity is an asset and should be embraced, not seen as a liability. The fate of this bill and its potential impact on Kentucky's universities remains uncertain, but the voices of students and lawmakers on both sides of the issue continue to be heard.
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