LEXINGTON, Ky. — University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto said he was opposed to legislation targeted at diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, also known as DEI, and faculty employment at Kentucky’s public universities, calling the legislation "deeply concerning."

What You Need To Know

  • University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto said he opposed legislation on diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, and faculty tenure at Kentucky's public universities

  • Capilouto noted it was not typical for university leadership to comment on public policy unless it would impact the community in "potentially significant ways"

  • Senate Bill 6 would limit DEI efforts on campus and House Bill 228 would require faculty to undergo regular evaluations

  • The president said though he disagreed with their proposals, he recognized that the concerns being raised are sincerely considered by policymakers who support UK

“As the University of Kentucky’s president, let me be clear: I am opposed to the legislation regarding both DEI and tenure,” Capilouto said in a statement to the university community. He noted it was not typical for university leadership to comment on public policy unless it would impact the community in “potentially significant ways.”

“This is one of those moments,” he noted.

Capilouto said the bills undermine the aspirations of the university “to build a community where everyone feels as though they belong as we pursue our mission to advance this state in everything that we do.” Staff and faculty across the campus work to support students of color and from underrepresented backgrounds, according to the president. “We should value and support that work, not diminish it,” Capilouto said.

The bills he referred to are aimed at the state’s public universities. Senate Bill 6 would bar public colleges and universities from giving preferential treatment based on a person’s political ideology. It would prohibit the schools from requiring people to state specific ideologies or beliefs when seeking admission, employment or promotions. It passed out of the Senate 26-7 and is headed to the House for consideration.

House Bill 228 would require faculty to undergo regular evaluations and permit the removal of faculty members if they fail to meet “performance and productivity requirements.” The bill is currently in the House Education Committee. Capilouto said that many of HB 228’s proposals are “already in place at UK and are adhered to more strictly than what is proposed.” However, the president also said tenure is a “critical tool and symbol” to aid in the pursuit of knowledge.

Though he disagreed with their proposals, Capilouto said he recognized that the concerns being raised are sincerely considered by policymakers who “believe in what we do for Kentucky.” 

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