LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Editor's note: a previous version of this story contained language from the original bill and not the updated bill that was voted on. The issue has been corrected.
One of the hot-button topics of this year's legislative session in Kentucky is about potentially limiting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices within Kentucky's education system.
Opponents have warned the proposed restrictions on campuses could roll back gains in minority enrollments and stifle college campus discussions on topics dealing with past discrimination. However, GOP senators claim those same programs discriminate against certain people in the college hiring and admission processes.
And on Monday, community and education stakeholders voiced their concerns about lawmakers taking aim at DEI policies.
One of the bills would:
- Protect students and faculty at public universities and colleges from being penalized for refusing to support certain DEI measures deemed 'discriminatory,' including topics about race, sexual orientation and gender identity
- The Attorney General may bring a civil action for a writ of mandamus to compel a post secondary education institution to comply with the policy
Another bill would prevent school districts from advocating for DEI programs.
Louisville Urban League members gathered with other education leaders, like Superintendent Marty Pollio, to ask lawmakers to stop what they are calling "harmful attacks" in education.
Pollio also shared how Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) has made strides in inclusion and this legislation will erase their progress.
"We are held accountable by the same people in Frankfort for the achievement gap; and yet, any intentional efforts we make to eliminate that achievement gap are now being threat, are being threatened by this legislation that is out there," he said. "I can't say it clear enough that I believe this legislation, any legislation around anti Dei, and specifically making sure we eliminate the achievement gap by focusing on our kids who are most marginalized, will set us back decades."
Pollio said the three things that will help the district more than any legislation is having teachers in the classroom, drivers for every bus and students at their desk everyday.
RELATED: Proposed bill could force Kentucky Board of Education members to run under a political party
The Urban League even emphasized that even the words "diversity, equity and inclusion" mean something.
"A significant component of quality education is the complete and thoughtful teaching of history, facts and sound science," CEO Lyndon Pryor said. "Any attempt to limit, omit or replace those elements does not represent good educational practice and is harmful to students and our society."
"They are the building blocks of a prosperous and thriving community. They are the elements that ensure complete, that the complete story gets told."
The bill targeting DEI policies at universities passed through the Senate on a 26-7 vote, and is on it's way to the house.
The one focusing on public school districts is still in a Senate committee.
University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto voiced his opposition to these two bills last Wednesday, Feb. 14.
"As the University of Kentucky’s president, let me be clear: I am opposed to the legislation regarding both DEI and tenure," he said. "Across this campus, staff and faculty work to support students of color and from underrepresented backgrounds. We should value and support that work, not diminish it. Clearly, our policymakers believe in these efforts. The funding formula they have adopted measures progress on, among other things, our success in enrolling and graduating students from underrepresented backgrounds."
"The truth is that our world and our state are changing. We are growing more diverse. Indeed, we must, if our state is to grow economically. We should embrace that change and harness the opportunities it presents, not shrink from it."
He said both the proposals dealing with DEI and tenure reflect questions about whether the community is committed to differing perspectives and ideas.
"There are doubts about how welcome we are to divergent opinions, regardless of ideology or religion, creed or background, Capilouto said. "There are questions about whether we teach and instruct in ways that promote diverse ideas rather than proselytize in furtherance of narrow and rigid orthodoxies of thought."
To read his full statement, click here.
University of Louisville President Kim Schatzel's statement on DEI proposals:
I have spent much of the last few weeks on campus and in our community talking with students, staff, faculty, alumni, business and community partners, and legislative leaders about the importance of diversity and inclusion in our classrooms, on our campuses, as well as in corporate and community spaces.
I strongly believe that you cannot deliver a high-quality university education without a diverse classroom and campus – inclusive of all demographics, identities and ideologies. Only in such circumstances and with such experiences will our students be prepared to foster their own and others’ excellence in a diverse global economy. In short, a diverse and inclusive campus better prepares our students to lead.
My first presidential priority is an unwavering commitment to inclusive student success. That is, ALL students – again inclusive of all demographics, identities, and ideologies – should successfully complete their degrees at the University of Louisville.
Toward that goal, I join Council on Postsecondary Education President Dr. Aaron Thompson and strongly endorse continued support for DEI initiatives on our campuses throughout Kentucky, noting the gains made in student enrollment and success, particularly among underrepresented minority students.
UofL and I as its president remain committed to being an institution that values the unique backgrounds and contributions of all our faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members – inclusive of all races, religions, ethnicities, ages, ideologies and levels of ableness. It also includes students who identify as veterans, refugees, LGBTQIA+, adult learners, rural, first generation, pell-eligible and others – all the while recognizing and respecting the impact of intersectionality. Our focus remains that all members of our University of Louisville community can thrive and are supported to reach their highest potential.
------------------------
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the WHAS11 News app now. For Apple or Android users.
Have a news tip? Email assign@whas11.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.
