Kentucky lawmakers hear update on diversity programs at UK, other colleges

Kentucky lawmakers are already starting to consider the big issues they’ll tackle in 2025, and one high-profile issue from the past session still being debated is diversity, equity, and inclusion programs on college campuses. Lawmakers ended the session with a bill still on the table that would have eliminated most of those programs. In a meeting Tuesday, lawmakers wanted an updated picture of the landscape anticipating more action in 2025.

“I spent time during the summer talking with dozens of faculty, staff, and students. Many are on the front lines of these issues. Many who have different views about them,” Dr. Eli Capilouto said.

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Capilouto said it was based on these conversations that the decision was made to eliminate the University of Kentucky’s offices for institutional diversity about one month ago.  Capilouto said this also led to mandatory DEI statements, training, and fees ending. The estimated 15–17 employees in the office had their roles redefined, but some lawmakers expressed skepticism about what those roles will do moving forward.

“Since you’re not eliminating any positions, is my understanding? Will this just be a rebranding and re-shifting and moving to other programs and departments, these kinds of concepts,” Rep. Steve Rawlings (R-Burlington) asked, referring to concepts like victim ideology, white privilege, and toxic masculinity.

“We are refocusing and making clear that we’re here to respond and serve everyone. Some of the things you’ve talked about may be a subject of inquiry in a classroom, a fair debate. But it’s not going to be part of trainings and things like that we do,” Capilouto responded.

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Capilouto joined the presidents of multiple universities, including EKU, WKU, Murray State, and the University of Louisville, the latter two being the only institutions at the meeting to now operate a DEI-related office.

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