LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A bill to ban DEI initiatives at public colleges and universities in Kentucky is one step away from final passage in the state's General Assembly.
House Bill 4 would prohibit differential treatment in hiring, admissions, scholarships, and contracts on the basis of religion, race, sex, color or national origin.
Supporters said every student, regardless of background, deserves a fair shot, while opponents say it will allow racism to creep into decision making.
The bill passed the House, and had a different version in the Senate. That means it will go back to the House for a concurrence vote.
If it passes, it would be sent to Gov. Andy Beshear's desk for him to sign into law. If Beshear vetoes the bill, it would likely be overridden by the Republican majorities in both chambers.
The University of Kentucky moved to close its DEI office last year in anticipation of this bill.
So far, the University of Louisville has kept its programs in tact.
Related Stories:
- JCPS faces ultimatum to cut DEI programming or lose federal funding
- Southern Indiana college to close DEI office effective March 12
- Kentucky State University among HBCUs affected as USDA suspends 1890 Scholars Program
- Colleges around the US cautiously navigate Trump's DEI crackdown
- Trump's DEI order leaves academic researchers fearful of political influence over grants
- Which US companies are pulling back on diversity initiatives?
Copyright 2025 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
