LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A highly contested bill related to funding for diversity, equity and inclusion offices at public universities didn't make it to the finish line.
Some critics call it the "Anti-DEI bill." The original version would have restricted how public universities in Kentucky use diversity, equity and inclusion in decision making. It also would have done away with race-based scholarships and prohibit the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, which oversees public universities, from approving degrees that require courses containing "discriminatory concepts."
The two chambers failed to reach an agreement, which effectively killed the bill.
Democrats said the backlash to the anti-DEI bill could include economic boycotts, students leaving the state for college and perhaps hurt efforts by Kentucky’s university’s to recruit Black student-athletes.
Gov. Andy Beshear has spoken in support of DEI, so it's likely he would have vetoed the measure.
"DEI is a three-letter acronym for very important values that are found in our Bible. Diversity, equity and inclusion is about loving each other," Beshear said earlier this month during a ceremony in Frankfort marking the 60th anniversary of the Freedom March. "It’s about living out the Golden Rule. ... Diversity will always make us stronger. It is an asset and never a liability.”
The bill also sparked protest in Louisville, where students spoke out against the legislation on the University of Louisville's campus earlier this month. It raised concerns among students about their scholarships and their ability to attend UofL, as well as the potential impact on their majors.
Related Stories:
- Students at University of Louisville concerned as Kentucky legislators push forward to defund DEI
- University of Louisville students speak up for DEI efforts
- Kentucky governor marks civil rights event by condemning limits on diversity, equity and inclusion
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