FRANKFORT — Kentucky Senate Republicans passed a bill Tuesday aimed at reining in diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at public universities and colleges.
senate bill 6 It was sent to the House on a party-line vote, with 26 Republicans voting yes and seven Democrats voting no.
Sponsor Bowling Green Senate Republican Leader Mike Wilson said the bill's intent is to protect “diversity of thought” in higher education. He said he sees a tendency for conservatives to be excluded from academic employment and promotion if they do not adhere to “liberal ideology.”
“We want to make sure that there is academic representation for underrepresented minorities,” Wilson said.
He added that the bill specifically says that it cannot be construed to prohibit universities from supporting diversity efforts unless the 16 defined “discriminatory concepts” are taught. According to the bill, such concepts include “inherently privileged, racist, sexist, or This includes “being oppressive or oppressive,” and “inherently superior or inferior to one race or gender over another.” It's a different race and gender. ”
Several Democratic lawmakers opposed the resolution, arguing it could have unintended consequences or roll back progress for minority groups in Kentucky.
“My position is that Kentucky should not and never should move into a color-blind society. Instead, we embrace all kinds of people: different skin colors, different origins, different languages, different genders, etc. We should,” said Sen. Reggie Thomas, chairman of the Democratic caucus. of Lexington. “That's what makes us different, the richness of our diversity. That's what makes us strong.”
Sen. Gerald Neal, the Democratic leader from Louisville, said the bill is “about race” and could be used maliciously.
“I'm a human being and you're a human being. Nothing more, nothing less,” Neil said. “I respect you. Please don't despise me.”
Republicans, meanwhile, repeatedly said the bill was needed to reduce division on college campuses.
“We cannot right the past by discriminating against the present and the future,” said Sen. Donald Douglas (R-Nicholasville), adding that the bill “is aimed at eliminating discrimination.” Douglas, who said he was the first black president of his medical school class, talked about the discrimination he faced at the medical school and urged his colleagues to vote in favor of the bill “to take this burden off the backs of those of us who have worked so hard.” urged the senator. And we achieved this. ”
“Some people need restoration, but others can accomplish it on their own,” he says.
Sen. Lindsey Titchener (R-Smithfield) said DEI efforts are divisive, leading to “dividing people by the very thing they're supposed to be supporting.” She referenced an email she received from a University of Kentucky student asking her to vote against the bill, saying he “has benefited from privilege because of his race and gender.”
“Hmm, I wonder where he got that idea,” she added. “There must be something wrong with him because of the color of his skin. He must feel bad about himself because of the gender he was born with.”
Ahead of Tuesday's Senate vote. Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky A recent poll found that 71% of Kentucky voters believe businesses and organizations should be able to make decisions about DEI education and training programs without government intervention. The poll, conducted by Mason-Dixon Polling & Strategy, surveyed 625 voters by phone.
Nationwide, Conservatives are targeting DEI This is because they argue that such frameworks favor some demographic groups, usually minority groups, over others. Since 2021, 21 states have considered legislation restricting DEI in higher education, and nine states have enacted legislation, according to . Axios report last month.
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Wilson's bill changed significantly Senate Education Committee last week.of original law It has been removed from allowing employees and students to sue public universities for discrimination for rejecting “divisive ideas.”
The updated version gives Kentucky's attorney general the power to bring civil lawsuits against universities that don't comply with the law. Universities would also be required to publish course descriptions, syllabi, and designated or recommended textbooks online.
Another revision requires new student orientation programs offered by public universities to include First Amendment provisions and include discussion and resources on the “principles and importance of free speech and diversity of viewpoints.” It added that notification must be given in writing and orally. Such as the power of the Attorney General to bring civil actions against universities that do not comply with the law.
neil filed floor correction That would have made changes such as removing the attorney general's authority to enforce the bill. However, the amendment failed in a voice vote on Tuesday.
There were more speakers in committee against the bill than in favor of it. Chiara Gray, education policy and advocacy strategist for the Louisville Urban League, said Wilson's bill “opens the door to an unchecked flow of bigoted ideologies that seek to marginalize rather than silently co-opt rather than discuss.” It is something that opens the door.”
Wilson was joined in support by professors from the University of Louisville and students from the University of Kentucky. British student Rebecca Keith told the committee that she feels like she is a minority student on campus as a conservative.
The House also has its own Republican-backed bill aimed at curbing DEI in higher education. It was submitted by Congresswoman Jennifer Decker, who lives in Wadi. House Bill 9This prohibits universities from spending “any resources” to support DEI programs or DEI personnel.
