Kentucky’s flagship university is under federal investigation for alleged ‘race-exclusionary practices’ in graduate programs.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear vetoed a bill on Thursday that seeks to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at the state’s public colleges and universities.
“I’ll always believe that diversity is a strength and never a weakness,” the governor, a Democrat, said in a video of him signing the veto, flanked by advocates opposed to the Republican-backed measure.
“Now, I believe in the golden rule that says we love our neighbor as ourself,” he said. “This bill isn’t about love. House Bill 4 is about hate. So, I’m going to try a little act of love myself, and I’m going to veto it right now.”
Passed on largely party-line votes, House Bill 4 would ban what it defines as DEI offices, employees, and training in public colleges and universities, as well as racial preferences in hiring, awarding scholarships, and selecting contractors.
The bill would also prohibit colleges and universities from mandating courses primarily intended to “indoctrinate participants with a discriminatory concept,” defining such a concept as one that “justifies or promotes differential treatment” based on someone’s race, sex, religion, or national origin. It defines “indoctrinate” as trying to force an opinion or a point of view on someone “without consideration of any alternative.”
Under the bill, Kentucky’s Council on Postsecondary Education would be barred from approving new degrees or certificates that require courses or training deemed indoctrination. It also encourages the council to eliminate existing academic programs with such requirements.
The Republican-controlled state Legislature is currently in recess for the veto period, which began March 15 and runs until March 26. Lawmakers are expected to override the governor’s veto when they return on March 27 for the final two days of the 2025 legislative session.
State Rep. Jennifer Decker, the bill’s primary sponsor, defended the measure during a House floor debate, arguing that it ensures equal access to higher education.
“If education is to be the great equalizer in the commonwealth, the opportunity to obtain a college degree in our state must be equally available and affordable for all,” Decker said in support of her bill ahead of a vote on March 5. “House Bill 4 would allow our universities and colleges to return to their focus away from social engineering to provide Kentucky students with excellent academic instruction in an environment that fosters critical thinking through open, constructive dialog.”
By Bill Pan
