UK Disbands Diversity Office
LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — The University of Kentucky has announced it will disband its Office for Institutional Diversity, a decision that comes after recent discussions with state policymakers.
In a statement released Tuesday, University President Eli Capilouto confirmed that the Office for Institutional Diversity will be eliminated. The statement noted, “The Office for Institutional Diversity will be disbanded.”
The university’s decision includes several other notable changes. Moving forward, organizations previously associated with the disbanded office will be relocated to different departments. Additionally, the university will no longer mandate diversity training or require diversity statements during the hiring and application process.
This move follows a period of debate among state lawmakers earlier this year over potential restrictions on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices at public universities. The university’s announcement reflects the outcome of discussions with policymakers regarding these issues.
Despite the sweeping changes, the University of Kentucky has assured that there will be no job losses as a result of this decision. The university stated, “We have roles to play and needs to be met.”
The reorganization at the University of Kentucky marks a significant shift in its diversity and inclusion strategy, aligning with recent legislative pressures. The change comes as the university expects policymakers to follow similar discussions, on restricting DEI at public universities, in 2025.
