The widely debated bill to prohibit diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs in Kentucky’s public universities passed the Senate Wednesday evening and now awaits a vote from Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear.
Kentucky House Bill 4 would require all public universities to cut DEI programs by June 30 and prevent funds from being spent on DEI training. The bill was first introduced in February by Rep. Jennifer Decker and passed through the House earlier this month.
Decker told the Senate Standing Committee on Education Monday that HB 4 “would ensure that our post-secondary system in Kentucky is held accountable to dismantle the failed and misguided DEI bureaucracy that has made college more divided, more expensive and less tolerant.”
“This bill solely aims at unconstitutional DEI initiatives, offices and officers that promote and provide differential treatment or benefits to individuals on the base of religion, race, color, sex and national origin,” Decker said.
The Kentucky Student Coalition for DEI, the group behind the state-wide “Day of DEI” campus demonstrations, shared a post discussing the Senate’s decision to pass HB 4.
“The passage of HB 4 is a declaration of war on higher education, a war that lawmakers are not ready to fight,” the post states.
Kentucky Student Coalition for DEI Outreach Coordinator and University of Louisville student Savannah Dowell told the Herald the group will continue its fight.
“Kentucky students lost a battle today, but we will win in the war for higher education,” Dowell said.
Beshear has 10 days to sign HB 4 into law or issue a veto.
“If he vetoes the bill, the General Assembly will have the opportunity to override the veto during the final two days of the session on March 27 and 28,” Assistant Vice President of Government & External Relations Jennifer Breiwa Smith said in an email to all WKU faculty and staff.
If Beshear does not decide within that time frame, HB 4 will automatically become law without his signature.
