By University of Louisville Faculty
Kentucky House Bill 4 (HB4) puts the sense of belonging for many students under threat. HB4 promises to eliminate and dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices, initiatives, and related “concepts” in Kentucky universities, based on the claim that such initiatives and concepts are “discriminatory.”
This argument, however, falls flat in the face of research conducted prior to the recent political trends of abolishing sources that protect DEI.
HB4 misuses, misinterprets, and inaccurately defines DEI
HB4 defines DEI initiatives as the “policy, practice, or procedure designed or implemented to promote or provide differential treatment or benefits to individuals on the basis of religion, race, sex, color, or national origin.