Kentucky
Students must remember who hurt, helped and stayed silent during the 2024 DEI battle
One of the most important pieces written on the 2024 anti-diversity movement in Kentucky was penned by independent student newspaper editors from the state’s seven public universities. They opined, “University officials have been hesitant to take a stand, which is why we felt we must.” They were right to do so and should be commended. In the aftermath of Kentucky’s rapacious 2024 legislative session, these brave young writers and their allies should remember a few things.
They should remember this was never about DEI. It was really about retrograde anti-Black racism. They should remember principled politicians like Tina Bojanowski, Josie Raymond and others feverishly fought against it. They should not forget that professional writers like Linda Blackford and Joe Gerth relentlessly accentuated contradictions and pushed for honesty and decency with their brave columns. They should remember Marc Murphy told more truth about this issue with his powerful cartoons than most people could with words. Urban League President Lyndon Pryor and public school administrator John Marshall were warriors and did us all proud.
On the other side, students should be clear that politicians Mike Wilson, Jennifer Decker and the 92 other Republicans who voted in favor of the mean-spirited, racially retrograde bills they sponsored in the state Senate and House are the closest things we have to white citizens’ councilors in the 21st century. And it all happened on the watches of Republican leaders Robert Stivers and David Osbourne. None of them should be forgotten or forgiven.
University presidents didn’t speak out against anti-DEI Bill
The students rightfully named Kentucky’s public university presidents who failed us all when they wrote, “Only one university president, Eli Capilouto of the University of Kentucky, has spoken out against the bills.” Murray State’s Bob Jackson, Louisville’s Kim Schatzel, Western Kentucky’s Timothy Caboni, and Northern Kentucky’s Cady Short-Thompson did little more than release less than convincing statements. Eastern Kentucky’s David T. McFaddin, Morehead State’s Jay Morgan, and even Kentucky State’s Koffi C. Akakpo, president of the state’s only public HBCU, said nothing at all.
Kentucky’s private school presidents should not be allowed to hide or let off the hook, either. Only Simmons College of Kentucky’s Kevin Cosby spoke out. Presidents like Bellarmine’s Susan Donovan, Transylvania’s Brien Lewis, Centre’s Milton Moreland and others didn’t say a word.
Diversity is not going away. DEI is in the best interest of every single student.
These presidents did not speak out because they clearly were not caring or committed enough to do so. Their advisors probably told them they could ignore this instance of Black suffering just as their public university counterparts were doing and get away with it. They probably told them they should remain quiet because no one really cared or was paying attention anyway. They were wrong. People were paying attention and will remember. In the end, their silence was tantamount to agreement. Shame on these presidents and their advisors for such a moral failure.
By choosing the path of least resistance Kentucky’s college and university presidents not only showed a failure of leadership, they also ignored the guiding words of Martin Luther King, Jr.: “Cowardice asks the question, is it safe? Expediency asks the question, is it politic? Vanity asks the question, is it popular? But conscience asks the question, is it right? And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but one must take it because it is right.”
Kentucky’s public and private university presidents who refused to speak did not do right. And their silence in the face of evil places them on the wrong side of history. We need them to do better.
Gerth: Good riddance to the Kentucky legislature and its shameless Republican power grab
Anti-DEI bills only failed because Republicans couldn’t agree
Finally, students must remember this was a battle won, not a war. Victory came this time around only because Republicans couldn’t agree on how far their devilishness should go. The same thing happened in Alabama last year, only to have Republicans return this cycle and pass a mind-blowingly backwards anti-diversity law. Students who know history will know Gov. Kay Ivey did her best to channel former Alabama Gov. George Wallace and stand in the proverbial modern schoolhouse door to prevent Black access and progress when she happily affixed her name to this backwardness.
Like their Alabama confederates, Kentucky’s racially retrograde politicians who are hellbent on pushing the state into the past will return from their temporary retreat to continue their war on equality, justice, and democracy next year. We can only hope college and university presidents will respond differently when they do.
We don’t need these presidents to simply change diversity position names at their schools and fall back on the tired excuse that they said little to nothing publicly but were “working behind the scenes.” That’s problematic. We need them to stand before us and admit they were wrong. We need them to find their moral compasses and do what is right. We need them to be stronger, more communicative and caring, and actually lead. And we must embrace each and every one of them who chooses a more just path as we move forward, no matter how terribly they failed us this time around. We must forgive and support them if they change because it’s the right thing to do.
Dr. Ricky L. Jones is the Baldwin-King Scholar-in-Residence at the Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute and Professor of Pan-African Studies, University of Louisville. His column appears bi-weekly in the Courier-Journal. Follow him on Facebook, LinkedIn, Threads, and X.
Summer practice is full underway for the 2026-27 Kentucky men’s basketball squad. And while the on-court teaching is critical to the offseason, what’s happening off the floor is equally as important.
Earlier this week, head coach Mark Pope and the entire team made a trip to the Kentucky Children’s Hospital, where they helped put together Father’s Day goodie bags, built toys, played board games with the kids, and shared laughs all around. Watching Franck Kepnang, Mason Williams, and Jerone Morton smile ear-to-ear while losing in a board game will make your heart full.
This was more than just a quick stop, though. This was about building real relationships and putting smiles on the faces of kids who deserve it. Returning center Malachi Moreno even reconnected with one of his new friends.
“There was a kid I’ve actually kept in touch with for a while. His name’s Jackson,” Moreno said Thursday. “Took some of my teammates in to meet him. I met him at Dance Blue. We’ve been playing Fortnite together. Got his PSN (PlayStation Network) tag and we’re going to play some Fortnite. Me, him, Kam (Williams), and Trent (Noah), we’re gonna play some Fortnite together.
“He’s such a cool kid. I think the guys really took in what it means to be at this brand. We walk in any room, we’re gonna brighten someone’s day. They might not be as fortunate as us but we’re taking time out of our day to go see them, and we’re having fun with it. I just wanted them to realize how much fun these kids are having with us.”
Judging by the video that UK put out on Thursday (which you can watch below) , it sure looks like everyone was having a blast. Some things are bigger than basketball.
LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – Severe weather across the Commonwealth has led to downed trees, traffic impacts and thousands of power outages.
Extensive coverage will be available on air and on WKYT+, where people can stay updated on the latest storm threats and impacts.
Franklin County Damage
A house fire was caused by lightning striking the attic space above two bedrooms, the Franklin County Fire Department reports.
A child was reportedly awakened by smoke, and alerted the residents to danger. Everyone was able to get out of the home safely before fire crews arrived.
Crews say they were able to contain the fire to the attic, which reduced further damage to the home.
Grant County damage
The Grant County Judge Executive Chuck Dills declared a state of emergency for Grant County due to severe weather damage.
Mason County damage
The Washington Fire Department says crews have been busy with storm damage reports from early morning storms.
The Mason County Judge Executive Owen McNeill says most of the damage seems to be west of US 68 within or near the Maysville city limits. McNeill says trees and debris are in roads county wide, with several power lines down.
Jessamine County damage
Jessamine County Emergency Management posted on social media that multiple weather-related incidents and power outages Thursday morning have taxed their Emergency service teams
Officials say crews have responded to multiple flooded out roads, downed trees and at least four damaged structures including some commercial occupancies that had collapse of roof or structures.
If you experienced any damage, you are asked to message Jessamine County Emergency Management or submit a damage assessment report.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 7 said KY 1267 at Cushingberry Lane in Jessamine County is closed due to a downed tree on a phone line.
Following severe weather, Ollie’s bargain outlet’s roof partially collapsed in Jessamine County according to emergency management. Emergency management is on the scene handling the situation.
The whole strip mall is closed due to a water leak and potential gas leak.
Show us your photos
Viewers are encouraged to submit any photos and videos of storm damage and impacts to WKYT. People can submit entries below.
Power outages
As of 8 a.m. on Thursday, June 18, over 4,000 customers in Fayette County are without power, and over 57,000 customers are without power throughout Kentucky, according to Kentucky Power Outages.
In a social media post, Woodford County said it was monitoring outages and was in coordination with utility partners to work to restore power.
The main transmission line that provides power to Falmouth was damaged, leading the city to be without power according to Pendleton County Emergency Management. An LG&E crew is reportedly enroute to fix the problem, but Falmouth will have no power until the damage is repaired.
Road Conditions
Garrard County Emergency Management says several state and county roads are being covered in water due to the weather conditions. They advise for anyone travelling to use extreme caution and be aware of flooded areas.
If encountering a water covered road, turn around and don’t drive through it, Garrard County Emergency Management says. An alternate route is the safest option.
Rolling Acres is closed between Bender Drive and Rancho Drive in Frankfort due to storm damage according to the Frankfort-Franklin County Office of Emergency Management. Utility crews are making preparations for repair onsite.
U.S. 127 Business at mile point 1.4 in Anderson County was closed due to a downed tree, according to KYTC, and Midway Road is closed between Old Frankfort Pike and US 60 in Woodford County.
KYTC reports a downed tree at mile point 3.1 on Bryan Station Road in Fayette County. The road is currently blocked. Information will be provided as updates become available.
Old Frankfort Pike is also closed between Pisgah Pike and the Fayette County line due to a tree on utility lines, KYTC said.
The Harrodsburg Police Department says that the road at Moberly Road and Scooter Avenue is not drivable due to high water, and barricades are in place to prevent drivers from attempting to cross.
KYTC encouraged drivers to use caution while traveling and watch for roadway hazard, including downed trees, debris and powerlines.
Copyright 2026 WKYT. All rights reserved.
By West Kentucky Star Staff
Jun. 17, 2026 | 10:25 PM
| PADUCAH
A drug trafficking investigation landed a Paducah man behind bars.
The weeks-long investigation by Paducah Police led them to 54-year-old Byrone K. Burns. Burnes was believed to be involved in moving illegal drugs through the area.
An undercover purchase was arranged, and detectives reportedly came away with more than ten grams of methamphetamine. Burns was arrested at his job just before 2:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Following his arrest, detectives searched two locations in Paducah connected to Burns. They reportedly seized more than two pounds of marijuana, a hydrocodone pill, several thousand dollars in cash, and items consistent with trafficking.
Burns, who is said to have an extensive criminal history related to drugs and weapons, was charged with trafficking in methamphetamine and marijuana, and possession of hydrocodone. He was booked into the McCracken County Regional Jail.
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