Controversial Kentucky DEI bill moves to Gov. Beshear’s desk after debate

FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) — After a debate during Wednesday’s legislative session, a bill dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and offices in Kentucky higher education will move to the governor’s desk after a 32-6 vote.

House Bill 4 would reportedly ban Kentucky colleges from considering race, national origin, sex, or religion in hiring, admissions, and scholarships.

Rep. Jennifer Decker, R-Waddy, who proposed the bill, argued the legislature provides equal protection by removing discriminatory policy from colleges.

“Our low-income minorities are not on our campuses to the extent they were before all this started. What’s to blame? I don’t know. This hasn’t helped. And if I were an advocate for the minority community, which I am, this is damaging to the minority community,” Rep. Decker told FOX 56.

Kentucky Senate Democrats said that if HB 4 became law, the Commonwealth would become less attractive to employers across the nation, ultimately hindering Kentucky’s economic growth.

“This bill sends a message of ‘You are not welcome,’” Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Reggie Thomas, D-Lexington, said. “Let’s make no mistake: This bill is about race, about gender, about exclusion, and about restricting opportunities for marginalized communities. We have seen this before, and we cannot sit idly by.”

After passing on Wednesday, HB 4 will now move to Gov. Beshear’s desk to be signed.