The University of Kentucky is facing scrutiny for its stance on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies, even amid a new law that bans such practices in state schools. This law, known as House Bill 4, aims to eliminate divisive DEI programs and requires public colleges to stop discrimination based on political or social views. However, the university is not following the mandate, prompting the Goldwater Institute to step in.
In March, Kentucky lawmakers passed House Bill 4. This legislation was a response to concerns that DEI initiatives often misallocate taxpayer funds and promote ideological agendas instead of focusing on education. The law mandates that all public universities adopt a neutral viewpoint policy that fosters intellectual diversity. Colleges were given until June 30 to comply.
Despite this deadline, the University of Kentucky’s board of trustees has not adopted the required policy. Instead, they allowed President Eli Capilouto to create a statement on institutional neutrality, which critics argue does not meet the law’s requirements. Goldwater Institute representatives, along with attorney Christopher Wiest, are now urging the Kentucky Attorney General, Russell Coleman, to enforce compliance.
This pushback comes after the Goldwater Institute revealed that a small, unelected council previously imposed race-based quotas on state universities, leading to punitive actions against schools that fell short. Such findings contributed to the momentum for House Bill 4.
Nationwide, there’s a growing sentiment against divisive DEI policies, particularly on college campuses. This shift reflects a broader change in public opinion, with many Americans advocating for a return to educational focus rather than ideological debates. According to a recent Gallup survey, 60% of Americans believe that universities should primarily promote free inquiry and discussion over specific ideological commitments.
The Goldwater Institute’s legal advocates aim to ensure that the victories achieved through legislation translate into real-world protections for students and faculty. Their efforts illustrate the importance of adhering to laws that reflect community values and expectations.
For more information on Goldwater’s initiatives, you can read the full letter released to Attorney General Coleman here.
Stacy Skankey is the American Freedom Network Litigation Director at the Goldwater Institute.
Source link
DEI,Diversity,Equity,Inclusion,Kentucky,University of Kentucky
