LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky is disbanding its Office for Institutional Diversity, President Eli Capilouto said Aug. 20 in a letter to the campus commun

This follows two bills to limit diversity, equity and inclusion policies at public universities failed to gain traction in both the Kentucky House and Senate last legislative session. Capilouto said he expects legislative efforts to continue in 2025. He added the university has listened and gained feedback from lawmakers, some of whom, he said, have questioned whether the university appears partisan or political on these issues and thus unintentionally limiting discourse. 

“Fulfilling our promise means being responsive to the concerns raised — particularly when they speak to whether as an institution and campus community — we are as welcoming to all perspectives and backgrounds,” Capilouto said. “With this understanding, it is time to make changes that live up to our values and our promise while responding to concerns that we aren’t fully meeting them.”

UK will not require diversity training for employees, and there will be no required diversity statements in hiring and application processes.

“Many feel that mandatory trainings are not as effective and that diversity statements don’t speak to actions,” Capilouto said.

Those previously in the Office for Institutional Diversity will transfer to other offices supporting the entire campus, including the newly formed Office for Community Relations. Examples include the MLK Center moving to the Office for Student Success, which supports “all student initiatives,” and the Center for Graduate and Professional Diversity Initiatives transitioning to UK HealthCare. Colleges will also work with community members whose titles include “diversity officer” to reflect how their efforts benefit a larger group, such as all members of a college or unit.

The university added websites will be free of political positions to ensure impartiality and will eliminate statements that imply a view of a current event. 

UK is not eliminating jobs, Capilouto said. 

“There is much to accomplish throughout our institution,” he said. “On any given day, there are more than 2,000 positions open. We have roles to play and needs to be met. And we must keep that talent and skill, which exists throughout our campus, so that we honor the principle of how we help everyone on this campus  — as members of one community — succeed.”

Capilouto stressed the importance of belonging despite the changes, saying the university strives to be “a campus open to everyone.” 

“As we strive to be a community where all people, no matter the background or perspective, feel a sense of belonging, we must seek to foster a sense of mutual respect among members of our community and for all those we serve,” Capilouto said. “We must do this while also protecting academic freedom — the idea that scholars and all members of the university community must always be free to inquire, to discover, to teach and to evaluate as they gain and impart understanding and knowledge.”

“These core values are foundational to who we are and what we are called to do — by our community, the commonwealth and all those we serve.” 

Rep. Jennifer Decker, R-Waddy, released a statement after Capilouto's announcement. It said, “Our efforts have always been aimed at eliminating unconstitutional, unnecessary, costly, and duplicative bureaucracy while still making sure campuses are open and welcoming to a diversity of students and staff. I appreciate the University of Kentucky for taking this step and remain hopeful that other institutions, as well as the Council on Postsecondary Education, will follow their lead and recognize that this failed experiment has done nothing to make postsecondary education more accessible,”

Senate Majority Whip Mike Wilson, R-Bowling Green said, “A true elimination of these DEI policies in our public universities will end the division they promote, and allow our colleges and universities to be the true bastion of free thought we need them to be.”

Capilouto, previously said in Feb. 2024, he opposed anti-DEI legislation, calling it “deeply concerning.” This included Senate Bill 6, which aimed to limit DEI efforts on campus, and House Bill 228, which would have required faculty to undergo regular evaluations.