LOUISVILLE, Ky. — One of the hottest topics in Kentucky's legislative session this year concerns the potential to limit diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices in Kentucky's education system .
Opponents warn that the proposed campus restrictions could set back minority enrollment growth and stifle debate on college campuses about topics dealing with past discrimination. . But Republican senators argue that these same programs discriminate against certain people in college recruiting and admissions processes.
And on Monday, community and education stakeholders expressed concern about lawmakers targeting DEI policies.
One of the bills is:
- Protecting students and faculty at public universities from penalties for refusing to support certain DEI measures deemed “divisive,” including topics related to race, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
- Make it easier for students and faculty to file lawsuits against universities with programs deemed divisive.
RELATED: Senate bill would limit diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at Kentucky universities
Another bill would prevent school districts from sponsoring DEI programs.
Members of the Louisville Urban League rallied with other education leaders like Superintendent Marty Pollio to urge lawmakers to end what they called “harmful attacks” in the education sector.
Pollio also spoke about how Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) has made progress in inclusion and this legislation would undo that progress.
“We are being held accountable for the achievement gap by the same people in Frankfort, and the intentional efforts we are making to close that achievement gap are now threatened by this law. '' he said. “Are we convinced that this bill, all the anti-Day bills, especially focusing on our most marginalized children and ensuring we close the achievement gap, will set us back decades? Please, I cannot say this clearly enough.”
Pollio said the three things that will help school districts more than any law are teachers in the classrooms, all bus drivers and students at their desks every day.
RELATED: Proposed bill could force Kentucky Board of Education members to run under party line
The Urban League even emphasized that the words “diversity, equity, and inclusion” have meaning.
“A key element of a quality education is the thorough and thoughtful teaching of history, facts and sound science,” said CEO Lyndon Pryor. “Any attempt to limit, omit, or replace these elements is not good educational practice and is harmful to students and our society.”
“They are the building blocks of a rich and thriving community. They are the elements that ensure integrity and ensure that the full story is told.”
A bill targeting DEI policies in universities passed the Senate on a 26-7 vote and will now be introduced in the House.
The committee focused on public school districts is still in a Senate committee.
University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto announced his opposition to these two bills last Wednesday, February 14th.
“As president of the University of Kentucky, let me be clear: I oppose both DEI and tenure legislation,” he said. “Across this campus, staff and faculty are working to support students of color and from underrepresented backgrounds. We should value and support that effort, and we should not neglect it.” Clearly, our policymakers believe in these efforts, and the funding formulas they have adopted are making progress, especially in increasing enrollment of students from underrepresented backgrounds. and success in graduation.”
“The truth is that our world and our condition are changing. We are becoming more diverse. Certainly, for our country to grow economically, we must We must embrace that change and take advantage of the opportunities it brings, not be intimidated by it.”
He said both proposals dealing with DEI and tenure reflect questions about whether the community will engage with different perspectives and ideas.
“I question how welcoming we are to different opinions, regardless of ideology, religion, creed or background,” Capilouto said. “There are also questions about whether they teach and lead in ways that encourage diversity of thought.” Rigid ideological orthodoxy. ”
To read his full statement, go to click here.
Statement from University of Louisville President Kim Schatzel regarding the DEI proposal:
I have spent most of the past few weeks on campus and in the community speaking with students, staff, faculty, alumni, business and community partners, and legislative leaders about the importance of diversity and inclusion in the classroom and on campus. Ta. As well as corporate and community spaces.
I strongly believe that we cannot provide a quality college education without a diverse classroom and campus that includes all demographics, identities, and ideologies. Only with such conditions and such experiences will our students be prepared to foster excellence in themselves and others in a diverse global economy. This means that a diverse and inclusive campus will better prepare students to lead.
My top priority as president will be an unwavering commitment to inclusive student success. This means that all students (again, including all demographics, identities, and ideologies) should successfully complete their degrees at the University of Louisville.
Toward that goal, I join Dr. Aaron Thompson, President of the Council on Postsecondary Education, and strongly support continued support for DEI efforts on campuses across Kentucky, especially for underrepresented minorities. notes that student enrollment and success among students are increasing.
UofL and as its President, I am committed to a university that values the unique backgrounds and contributions of all faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members, including all races, religions, ethnicities, ages, ideologies, and ability levels. I will continue to work hard on certain things. We also include students who identify as veterans, refugees, LGBTQIA+, adult learners, rural, first-generation, Pell-eligible, etc. while recognizing and honoring the impact of intersectionality. . We remain focused on ensuring that all members of the University of Louisville community are supported to grow and reach their full potential.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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