On Tuesday, presidents from five Kentucky universities faced lawmakers to discuss their DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) policies and expenditures during a hearing with the state’s Interim Joint Committee on Education.
The leaders of the University of Louisville, University of Kentucky, Western Kentucky University, Murray State University, and Eastern Kentucky University defended their DEI initiatives in response to increasing scrutiny from the state’s Republican-controlled legislature, which has shown interest in limiting such programs.
During the session, University of Louisville President Kim Schatzel highlighted her institution’s commitment to DEI, emphasizing that the Office of Institutional Equity supports all students in their academic success. She explained the importance of going beyond regulatory compliance, noting that Louisville is investing over $4 million in DEI-related salaries this year.
University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto discussed his recent decision to dissolve the university’s DEI office, redistributing its staff to other roles while maintaining the university’s broader mission of serving all students. Capilouto reassured lawmakers that the university’s goals remain unchanged, though his decision aligns with his desire for institutional neutrality amid a politically charged environment. Capilouto’s move followed unsuccessful attempts by state legislators to eliminate DEI initiatives at public universities earlier this year.
The discussion sparked division among lawmakers. Some, like Republican Rep. Josh Calloway, expressed concerns about the effectiveness of DEI programs and questioned whether universities were meeting diversity goals in light of their local demographics. Democratic lawmakers, including Sen. Reggie Thomas, countered, emphasizing the importance of DEI programs in fostering inclusion and improving access for underrepresented groups. As the debate continues, DEI policies are expected to remain a point of contention in future legislative sessions.
