The University of Kentucky has canceled on-campus celebrations for its minority graduates. That comes amid an anti-DEI push from federal and state lawmakers.
The Lexington Herald-Leader reports that includes celebrations for Black, LGBTQ+ and first-generation students.
University spokesperson Jay Blanton confirmed those cancellations in a statement to WEKU.
"“Following a number of federal and state policy changes and directives, the university will no longer host identity-based or special-interest graduation celebrations. In the past, these were held outside of our official commencement ceremonies as an optional celebration and social event. We will continue to comply with the law, while celebrating all students and their distinctive achievements at our official commencement ceremonies," the statement says.
The Department of Education announced last month that UK was among a group of schools under investigation for “race-exclusionary practices” by working with a nonprofit that helps marginalized students get business degrees. UK has since cut ties with the group.
Kentucky House Bill 4, which would ban DEI programs and offices at the state’s colleges, also passed this legislative session. The bill will take effect at the end of June.
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