Eastern Kentucky University students were among a coalition of college students protesting anti-DEI state legislation last week.
Multiple bills that would curb diversity, equity and inclusion policies have been filed in the state legislature this year. That includes House Bill 4, which would keep universities from funding DEI programs and shut down DEI offices.
A coalition of students and workers organized protests on Kentucky’s college campuses in response.
Alice Harkins is a student at EKU’s Master of Public Administration program and helped organize the rally. She says the legislation would negatively impact curriculums like hers, which require diversity programs in order to be accredited.
“All of the progress I've made to get my degree could just kind of be for nothing, essentially, and that would be pretty devastating,” Harkins said. “And I know that several other programs at EKU also have similar requirements, depending on who accredits that program.”
Fellow student Jillian Gabhart is in a similar situation.
“My personal fears have to do a lot with my course load,” Gabhart said. “I am currently in a special education class and a class entitled “Culturally Responsive Perspectives,” both of which would teach me skills that are DEI-related in how I interact with my students in the future.”
House Bill 4 is in the House Committee on Postsecondary Education as of Friday.
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