FRANKFORT, Ky. — With just five legislative days remaining lawmakers are continuing the push to pass anti-diversity, equity and inclusion legislation into law. House Bill 4 would ban DEI initiatives at public universities and colleges; it is now one step closer to becoming law.
The Senate education committee voted favorably along party lines on House Bill 4 despite pushback from many in attendance who say the bill is a step backwards. The bill which passed the House last week prohibits colleges and universities from offering race based scholarships, using DEI in admissions and hiring among other things.
Bradley Price testified against the bill, speaking as a member of the Kentucky Student Coalition for DEI.
“I believe Black students and Appalachian students have been pitted against each other in a racist and classless move to destroy the pathways that have allowed these communities to gain education which has served as a great equalizer for both of these historically minoritized communities,” Price said.
The United Campus Workers opposes the bill. Price said once she graduates from U of L, she’ll go elsewhere for her post undergraduate studies.
“I know that Black students are making those decisions whether to just go into debt and leave the state versus staying and be under constant attack and state surveillance and legislative terrorism,” Price said.
State Representative Jennifer Decker, R-Waddy and other Republicans say the bill puts everyone on an even playing field. Decker said the bill does not target students of any race or backgrounds.
“This bill solely aims at unconstitutional DEI initiatives, offices and officers that promote or provide differential treatment or benefits to individuals on the basis of religion, race, color, sex and national origin,” Decker said.
Decker said despite opposition saying so, the bill does not ban student run groups or unions so long as they’re student led, but some say it puts colleges in a trick situation.
“This bill is very sweeping and damaging, particularly in its vagueness and how far institutions have already gone to comply with pieces of legislation like this and how far they will go,” said Savannah Dowell.
Dowell, a member of United Campus Workers and Kentucky Student Coalition for DEI, said if HB 4 becomes law, enrollment among underserved populations will plummet.
“I’m scared and I’m begging, begging on my knees for every senator to lend an ear to the students of Kentucky who have repeatedly and loudly said we oppose House Bill 4,” Dowell said.
The Senate can vote on the bill as soon as Tuesday, March 11 and so far has not made any changes.
