A new Kentucky bill would restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in public colleges and bar race-based scholarships. The idea is similar to moves made in other conservative states.
If passed, colleges could not have DEI offices, provide DEI training, or investigate reported prejudice events unless mandated by law. Institutions would also be prohibited from setting scholarship qualifying criteria based on gender or race. They also couldn’t ask scholarship applicants about their thoughts or experiences with race, ethnicity, religion, or national origin.
Decker’s bill is the latest in a line of state legislative efforts to limit college DEI. However, her proposal is particularly broad, matching legislation passed by Florida and Texas last year that prohibited DEI programs at public colleges.
While the plan allows a college to continue providing DEI training and programs needed by federal and state law, any exemptions must be granted by the institution’s general counsel.
If the bill becomes law, colleges will have until the end of June to comply.
Decker’s proposal follows another anti-DEI bill introduced by Kentucky Senate Majority Whip Mike Wilson, a Republican. It would prohibit the state’s colleges from propagating “divisive concepts” in mandated trainings, such as the idea that people of all races are innately privileged.
Both bills have a good chance of passing if they receive backing from other Republicans. Kentucky’s governor is a Democrat, but Republicans hold a veto-proof majority in the legislature.
