Lexington, Kentucky, August 21, 2025
News Summary
The Goldwater Institute has accused the University of Kentucky of failing to comply with House Bill 4, which bans diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The university allegedly did not properly ratify a neutrality policy required by the law. UK has disbanded its Office for Institutional Diversity, but concerns about compliance remain. Other Kentucky universities have also begun adjusting their DEI policies in response to the legislation, which has faced significant opposition from advocacy groups.
Lexington, Kentucky – The Goldwater Institute, a national conservative organization, has accused the University of Kentucky (UK) of violating House Bill 4 (HB4), a new law that prohibits diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at public universities in Kentucky. The accusation centers on UK’s alleged failure to adopt a neutrality policy, a requirement mandated by HB4, which aims to dismantle and defund all DEI programs at these institutions.
A letter sent to Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman by the Goldwater Institute claims that UK President Eli Capilouto drafted and approved the neutrality policy without the necessary ratification from the board of trustees. According to the letter, UK’s policy does not meet the standards set forth by HB4 and is described as “entirely deficient.” The law requires public universities to implement a policy that ensures viewpoint neutrality, prohibiting discrimination based on political or social viewpoints while promoting intellectual diversity.
Public universities in Kentucky were mandated to comply with HB4 by June 27 of this year, making it critical for institutions to dismantle DEI programs. UK acknowledged the delegation of authority to the president to draft the neutrality statement but has not yet secured board endorsement for its policies, which the university plans to present in September.
In recent developments, UK disbanded its Office for Institutional Diversity and introduced an “institutional statements policy” that limits the university’s public positions on various social issues. The Goldwater Institute states that it has based its claims on a public records request by an advocate from the Kentucky Student Rights Coalition, which supports HB4’s implementation.
HB4 empowers the Attorney General to initiate civil action against institutions that are not in compliance. The Goldwater Institute is urging Coleman to compel the University of Kentucky to align with the new law. During a July budget subcommittee meeting, university representatives insisted that they were adhering to HB4, joining at least nine other Kentucky universities that confirmed their compliance and outlined various adjustments to DEI-related positions and policies.
Eastern Kentucky University explicitly noted its intent to avoid public stances on issues unrelated to its mission, a sentiment echoed by other institutions in Kentucky that are moving away from DEI practices. Kentucky State University had already eliminated DEI offices even prior to the passage of HB4. Both the University of Kentucky and Northern Kentucky University took preemptive measures to comply with the law, demonstrating proactive compliance initiatives.
Under the provisions of HB4, universities must cease funding for DEI programs and start an annual certification of compliance beginning July 1 of the next year. The law stipulates that scholarship eligibility cannot be restricted based on race, religion, or gender, and expressly prohibits any courses that promote discriminatory concepts.
This legislation has met significant opposition from numerous advocacy groups and organizations affiliated with DEI initiatives, suggesting a potential cultural transformation within Kentucky’s higher education system. Concerns from students have also surfaced, with many expressing the belief that HB4 may impede the educational environment and support mechanisms for marginalized communities.
FAQ
What is House Bill 4 (HB4)?
House Bill 4 is a law in Kentucky that prohibits diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at public universities, requiring them to adopt policies of viewpoint neutrality and dismantle existing DEI programs.
What are the main requirements of HB4?
The main requirements of HB4 include terminating DEI programs, adopting a neutrality policy that prevents discrimination based on political or social viewpoints, and certifying compliance with the law annually.
What actions has the University of Kentucky taken in response to HB4?
The University of Kentucky has disbanded its Office for Institutional Diversity and outlined an institutional statements policy to comply with HB4, although it is facing accusations of not fully adhering to the law.
How has HB4 affected other universities in Kentucky?
Other universities in Kentucky have also taken steps to comply with HB4, including redesigning DEI positions and policies, with many confirming they are no longer promoting DEI initiatives.
Key Features of HB4 and University Actions
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Compliance Deadline | Public universities had to comply by June 27, 2023. |
| Dismantling DEI Programs | Universities must defund all DEI initiatives and offices. |
| Viewpoint Neutrality Policy | Must prohibit discrimination based on viewpoints and promote intellectual diversity. |
| Compliance Certification | Universities required to certify alignment with the law annually beginning July 1, 2024. |
| Impact on Scholarship Eligibility | Scholarship eligibility cannot be restricted based on race, religion, or sex. |
| Action by Attorney General | The AG can initiate civil action against any non-compliant institution. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Kentucky Public Universities Decline to Sign Critique of Trump Education Policies
Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: UK Allegations
- Spectrum News: Kentucky Universities Testify
- Higher Ed Dive: Kentucky Lawmakers Ban DEI Spending
- Wikipedia: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
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