Commonwealth Policy Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CPC Applauds University of Kentucky’s Decision to Close DEI Office

August 20, 2024
CONTACT: Richard Nelson (richard@commonwealthpolicy.org)

(Frankfort, KY) – CPC applauds the University of Kentucky’s decision to close its Office for Institutional Diversity. UK will also end mandatory diversity training, diversity statements for all new hires, and political comments made by the university.

CPC Executive Director Richard Nelson said, “We applaud President Capilouto and the University of Kentucky for dismantling the divisive and unnecessary DEI department. DEI initiatives are objectionable to the vast majority of Kentuckians. Kentucky’s limited tax dollars can now be spent on hiring teachers and better educating students. Hopefully these actions will also mark the beginning of a new era of free inquiry at our commonwealth’s flagship university.”

The University also announced that all DEI staff and services will be folded into a new Office for Community Relations. CPC strongly urges UK to avoid secretly practicing DEI by another name through this new office. Any implicit diversity initiatives may be subject to legislative action next year.