FRANKFORT, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Universities of Louisville and Kentucky were pressed on their diversity plans at a hearing in Frankfort on Tuesday.
University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto doubled down on the removal of several D.E.I. initiatives, diversity equity and inclusion on campus.
Last month, UK announced it no longer would have an Office of Institutional Diversity.
In a bi-partisian interim joint committee on education, Capilouto expanded on other DEI changes at UK.
He says no one lost their job, and the 15 or so employees were moved into other offices on campus.
Capilouto also said several job descriptions related to DEI were changed and UK websites no longer have politically charged or biased content.
When pressed if he felt he made the right move Capiluto said he does and he wants to make sure all voices are heard.
"It's from those conversations I decided to take what I think are steps that are in the best interest of the University of Kentucky," he said.
"I worry if any kind of legislation that infringes upon that academic freedom, which I've shared I find to be so precious. People want to come to places where they can exercise and ask all the hard questions and I don't want anything to signal them that we're not that kind of place," Capilouto said.
UK also removed mandatory DEI trainings.
University of Louisville President Kim Schatzel also presented before the group of lawmakers.
She shared last fall that UofL made a name change from Office of Diversity Equity and Inclusion to the Office of Institutional Equity. Schatzel was asked about why equity instead of equality.
"It's providing solutions and providing support based on what you bring to the party, so it doesn't show preference, it doesn't show bias, it's about treating you as an individual with regard to the needs that you have to be successful." Schatzel said.
Schatzel said UofL has not required DEI trainings or DEI classes for students since at least February of 2023.
Lawmakers started DEI discussion in the 2024 session but nothing made it to the finish line.
It's not clear if there will be any further debate on a statewide DEI policy in the next session in January.
Related stories:
- Lowe's changes some DEI policies amid legal attacks on diversity programs and activist pressure
- University of Kentucky to disband diversity office after GOP lawmakers pushed anti-DEI legislation
- Louisville-based Brown-Forman joins groups moving away from DEI programs
Copyright 2024 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
