Kentucky
Lawmakers question presidents of several universities in Kentucky about DEI practices on college campuses
Lawmakers questioned the presidents of several universities in Kentucky about diversity, equity, and inclusion practices on college campuses during a meeting of the Interim Education Committee on Tuesday.
This happened a few weeks after Dr. Eli Capilouto, the president of the University of Kentucky, announced that the school would disband its office promoting diversity and inclusion efforts. The school took action after state lawmakers debated whether to limit diversity, equity and inclusion practices at public universities.
In a campus-wide lettersent in August, Capilouto said the Office of Institutional Diversity (OID) would shut its doors, and diversity training and diversity statements for staff and faculty would no longer be required.
A new office, the Office for Community Relations, would take the place of OID.
“If we are to be a campus for everyone, we must demonstrate to ourselves and to those who support and invest in us our commitment to the idea that everyone belongs — both in what we say and in what we do,” Capilouto wrote.
Capilouto stressed that the school’s core values remain intact — to protect academic freedom and promote a “sense of belonging” for everyone on campus, regardless of background or perspective.
“But we’ve also listened to policymakers and heard many of their questions about whether we appear partisan or political on the issues of our day and, as a result, narrowly interpret things solely through the lens of identity,” he said. “In so doing, the concern is that we either intentionally or unintentionally limit discourse. I hear many of those concerns reflected in discussions with some of our students, faculty and staff across our campus.”
In February, Capilouto called anti-DEI bills lawmakers were considering at the time “deeply concerning.”
“We don’t speak as an institution on public policy unless the issues will impact our entire community in potentially significant ways,” Capilouto said in a campus-wide letter sent in February. “This is one of those moments.”
“As the University of Kentucky’s president, let me be clear: I am opposed to the legislation regarding both DEI and tenure,” he added then. “I have voiced my stance in a manner that I hope is respectful and thoughtful. I will continue to do so.”
But in August, Capilouto said the school would change course and eliminate its DEI office as the issue was not going away.
“Kentucky legislators have made clear to me in our conversations that they are exploring these issues again as they prepare for the 2025 legislative session,” he said.
So, did UK make its changes due to pressure from Kentucky lawmakers? Capilouto did not answer LEX 18’s question regarding the situation.
However, Sen. Reggie Thomas said he believes the school read “the tea leaves,” realized the legislature was not going to stop, and took action.
“It was clear that the legislature still wasn’t going to let DEI go. They still wanted to do something to reduce the emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion,” Thomas said. “So, UK got ahead of it.”
On Tuesday, some lawmakers expressed concern that the General Assembly is demonizing DEI programs.
“This entire process isn’t a micro-aggression. It’s a macro-aggression against universities who are trying to ensure that all of their students are being met – their needs are being met,” said Rep. Tina Bojanowski. “I’m uncomfortable with the situation and I’m, honestly, embarrassed that we are here today.”
“From my perspective, the problem is the demonization of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs by certain members of this body,” she added.
But some lawmakers expressed concern that DEI is causing division on college campuses.
Rep. Steve Rawlings said while people understand the value of DEI, he has concerns with some of the concepts “taught within that bubble.”
“Some examples of that like victim ideology, micro-aggressions, intersectionality which includes white privilege, toxic masculinity, and I could go on — there are so many things, so many accounts that are so disheartening to hear about,” Rawlings said.
Sen. Lindsey Tichenor said that while DEI was intended to create a more inclusive environment, she worries it has done the opposite.
“Last session, we had some testimony regarding our DEI legislation we pushed forward for post-secondary education and one of the students that came and testified was sharing her story as an applicant to be an RA, that she was not chosen because [she’s] too white and too Christian,” Tichenor said.
“The efforts of DEI, I think at their beginning, were not to be divisive but to create a more inclusive environment,” she added. “But unfortunately, we see that it has created divisive and exclusive situations for a student to be told she couldn’t be hired because too white and too Christian.”
Supporters of DEI initiatives believe they provide critical opportunities for people who have been marginalized or face hurdles because of their identity. They worry getting rid of DEI could roll back gains in minority enrollments and stifle campus discussions about past discrimination.
Critics of DEI believe they are counterproductive and unfair, leading universities to make decisions based on factors like race and gender, instead of merit.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Kentucky
Northern Kentucky Education Council honors NKY educators with 2026 Excellence in Education Awards
Sadiqa Reynolds was removed from the University of Louisville board of trustees last week, as the Kentucky Senate did not confirm her appointment before they adjourned the 2026 legislative session.
Reynolds, the former president of the Louisville Urban League, was appointed to a six-year term on the board last April by Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear.
Under state law, gubernatorial appointees to boards must be confirmed by the state Senate during the subsequent legislative session in order to stay in that position. While the Republican supermajority filed and passed more than 50 resolutions to confirm appointees, none were filed to confirm Reynolds.
Reynolds told Kentucky Public Radio this week that she was not given any reason for why the Senate failed to confirm her, but suspected Republicans wanted her out due to her open criticism of the attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in education by President Donald Trump and the legislature.
“Attacks on education are attacks on our democracy,” Reynolds said. “There is no honor in following the lead of Kentucky Republicans when they are hellbent on destroying any gains we have made in this country.”
Reynolds added that it was “a badge of honor” to be rejected by Senate Republicans.
“Fascists refused to confirm me,” she said. “One little woman with one voice. I have never felt more powerful.”
Asked why Republican leadership did not confirm Reynolds, a Senate GOP spokesperson replied that “there was no resolution filed by a Democrat or Republican for the Senate to consider.”
Republican senators — who make up 84% of the chamber — filed all of the 50-plus resolutions to confirm Beshear appointees. Only one Senate bill filed by a Democrat was passed into law this session.
Senate Democrats did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the chamber not confirming Reynolds.
Scottie Ellis, the spokesperson for Gov. Beshear, replied in a statement that Reynolds “is an accomplished leader and University of Louisville alumna who cares about the direction of the school and served on its Board of Trustees with pride and integrity. Her removal is the latest politically motivated move by the Republican-led General Assembly, who are ultimately hurting UofL and its students with this baseless action.”
Asked to comment on Reynolds’ removal from the board of trustees, U of L spokesman John Karman said it was “not our decision,” adding that “the university is appreciative of Trustee Reynolds for her service and grateful for her contributions as a member of the Board of Trustees.”
Reynolds was critical not just of the Trump administration’s actions targeting DEI initiatives, but legislation passed into law by the Kentucky General Assembly in 2025 to ban all DEI initiatives at public colleges. She added that she pushed the university not to “overcomply” with such efforts and challenge them legally, or “at least explain the impact of compliance to the legislators and to the public.”
“People are so afraid to ask questions and challenge them, and I was not afraid,” she said. “Republicans have heard what I said and didn’t like it.”
Reynolds was not the only Beshear appointee to not be confirmed by the Senate. Though Republicans filed a resolution to confirm Michael Abell to the Fish and Wildlife Resources Commission, they did not vote on it before the legislature adjourned.
Responding to Abell’s removal last week, Ellis said the Senate GOP “once again refused to confirm a commissioner nominated by the Kentucky sportsmen and appointed by the Governor. This is now the eighth time they have done so. Kentuckians should be very worried about the operations at Fish & Wildlife.”
Reynolds was formerly a judge and top aide to former Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer, until she was named CEO of the Louisville Urban League in 2015. She left that position in 2022 to become CEO of the Perception Institute, a New York City think tank that counters bias and discrimination. Reynolds stepped down from that position last fall to focus fully on the Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center, a West End sports complex she pushed for while at the Urban League.
The Louisville Urban League president that succeeded Reynolds in 2022 was fired after four months, then filed a lawsuit against the nonprofit alleging she was wrongfully terminated for airing concerns about its finances and allegations of conflicts of interest involving the sports complex. A mistrial was declared in that case, and a new trial was granted last month.
Collin Chandler’s arrival at BYU was a long time coming, and left fans in suspense for over four years. The highest-rated recruit in program history at the time, Chandler first committed to BYU basketball four years ago before departing on his two-year missionary service. The timing of his return couldn’t have been worse, as he arrived soon after the news that head coach Mark Pope would be leaving Provo for the same position at a blue blood and his alma mater, Kentucky.
Deny it and fight it as much as you can, but there was no avoiding the truth: Collin Chandler would be out the door in Provo before ever suiting up for the Cougars.
But now in the present day, two years through his collegiate career, Collin Chandler is back in Provo. Now under a new regime, Chandler hopes to fill the void left by Richie Saunders’ departure, and assume a leadership role with the program he left years ago.
All is forgiven for the prodigal son, but hearing why Chandler jumped ship from Lexington for a spot back in the Beehive State makes his decision to transfer from UK all the more fascinating. In a radio interview with ESPN The Fan, the blonde blur opened up about his choice to return home.
“There are a lot of great things about BYU off the court. But basketball-wise, I’m most excited about development,” the junior guard shared. “Coach [Kevin] Young’s NBA experience is unique. I want to play at the next level, and learning from someone with that background is huge.”
“I’ve talked to players who’ve worked with him, and they all say development is his strength. That’s what really stood out to me.”
Chandler continued, sharing the relationships that helped him confirm his decision to take another shot at BYU.
“I talked to Richie Saunders,” Chandler noted. “I also have a good relationship with [former BYU player] Trevin Knell since we had the same high school coach. They both gave me great insight and helped me think through everything.”
Collin went a bit further on the Saunders comparisons, acknowledging where their skill sets overlap.
“First off, being compared to Richie Saunders is an honor. He’s left an incredible legacy at BYU. With new rosters come new styles, but I think this year’s team will play fast, share the ball, and make plays for each other. We’ve got a lot of guys who can handle the ball, so I see myself as part of that—making plays, playing fast, and being part of a fun system.”
On the topic of players Chandler would be teaming up with at his new program, he noted some teammates he had already shared the floor with as well as others who he looked forward to familiarizing himself with.
“Experience is huge,” Chandler noted. “That’s something I learned at Kentucky; having guys who know the system makes a big difference. Having someone like Rob Wright back is big. […] Jake Wahlin [former Timpview alumni and Clemson transfer] is someone I know really well. We played AAU together and faced off in high school. I’m excited to play with him again.”
Finally, on the topic of his return to BYU, Chandler’s off-court priorities paired with Kevin Young’s unique on-court capabilities made the Cougars the obvious favorites.
“Utah has a great staff and is building something strong, but I love the culture at BYU. I love what Coach Young is building and the foundation that’s already there.”
“It just felt like home.”
Chandler will be a junior at BYU this season, and hopes to build an NBA portfolio strong enough to carry the Farmington, Utah, native to the highest level of professional hoops. If Kevin Young’s NBA bootcamp is as good as Chandler believes it to be, you’ll see him taking great strides this season.
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