LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville’s branch of the NAACP spoke out Friday on bills involving diversity, equity and inclusion that are making their way through Frankfort. 

What You Need To Know

  • The NAACP's Louisville branch said it stands in opposition to House Bill 4 and Senate Bills 164 and 165

  • HB 4 seeks to remove DEI initiatives from public colleges and universities; SB 164 applies the same principles to state and local government agencies while SB 165 would ban the teaching of so-called "discriminatory concepts" 

  • Michelle Pennix, the branch's education chair, said children will be affected by the passage of these bills

  • State lawmakers spoke in support of HB 4 this week, which passed the House on Wednesday along party lines

“The NAACP is on record in being supportive of diversity, equity and inclusion because we believe that when you lift and improve the educational opportunities for Black students or students of Color, you, in fact, improve educational outcomes for everyone else," said Raymond Burse, NAACP Louisville Branch president. 

Louisville Branch NAACP leadership spoke about three bills: House Bill 4, Senate Bill 164 and Senate Bill 165. HB 4 seeks to remove DEI initiatives from public colleges and universities; SB 164 applies the same principles to state and local government agencies while SB 165 would ban the teaching of so-called "discriminatory concepts." 

"While we stand in opposition to House Bill 4 (and) Senate Bill 164 and 165, we want you to remember that when we talk about the current system, it's not about fairness," said Michelle Pennix, the branch's education chair and former Jefferson County Public Schools principal. "This is not what these bills seek to do. They seek to put comfort of some above the dignity of all.”

“The NAACP wants to be on record in saying that we are opposed to any of the efforts to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion," Burse added. “The NAACP wants to be on record in saying that we are opposed to any of the efforts to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion," Burse added. 

The branch released a resolution dated March 3, which, in part, read, “the bills will strip the resources and tools being used to help make each student successful by rolling back decades of educational progress.”

"There is not one thing of educational value in what they have done, not one thing that advances education in Kentucky,” Burse said.

Children, in particular, could be affected the most, Pennix said. 

“Children right here in our community will feel the effects," Pennix said. "Racial bullying will increase." 

HB 4 passed the House Wednesday along party lines.

"This bill puts everybody on the same level playing field," said State Rep. Matt Lockett, R-Nicholasville. 

NAACP leadership said they urge others to reach out to decision-makers. 

“Make a trip," Pennix said. "Ask how your particular representatives feel about this issue. Make your stance known. Let them know you are holding them accountable, that you are a participating citizen and that you want to make sure this does not happen to our children.” 

HB 4 is now assigned to the Senate Education Committee. SB 164 and 165 are waiting to pass through their committees.

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