Kentucky’s largest universities were under a legislative microscope on September 17 at a hearing of the Interim Joint Committee on Education in Frankfort. The hearing came on the heels of actions taken by the University of Kentucky and Northern Kentucky University to close their offices for diversity, equity, and inclusion. They’re not alone, as several other institutions have renamed or reorganized their DEI initiatives with less objectionable framing. The legislators interviewed several university presidents about the decision.

Governor Andy Beshear’s executive order banning conversion therapy within the scope of state agencies stirred controversy across the state. And there’s reason for concern, as Governor Beshear roundly condemned “anyone who changes the sexual orientation of a minor.” Among other requirements, Beshear ordered that “The Cabinet for Health and Family Services shall take all actions necessary to prohibit the direct or indirect use of state and federal funds for the practice of conversion therapy on minors, referring a minor for conversion therapy, or extending health benefits coverage for conversion therapy with a minor.”

During their convention in Chicago last month, Democrats united around the theme of freedom, and on no issue was freedom more clearly defined in progressive terms than the issue of abortion. The Democrats practiced what they preached. Planned Parenthood set up shop with a mobile abortion and vasectomy clinic just down the street.