Bill that would have defunded DEI efforts at public universities dies in Kentucky legislature | Politics [Video]

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A highly contested bill related to funding for diversity, equity and inclusion offices at public universities didn’t make it to the finish line.

Some critics call it the “Anti-DEI bill.” The original version would have restricted how public universities in Kentucky use diversity, equity and inclusion in decision making. It also would have done away with race-based scholarships and prohibit the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, which oversees public universities, from approving degrees that require courses containing “discriminatory concepts.” 

The two chambers failed to reach an agreement, which effectively killed the bill.

Democrats said the backlash to the anti-DEI bill could include economic boycotts, students leaving the state for college and perhaps hurt efforts by Kentucky’s university’s to recruit Black student-athletes.

Gov. Andy Beshear has spoken in support of DEI, so it’s likely he would have vetoed the measure.

“DEI is a three-letter acronym for very important values that are found in our Bible. …