Kentucky’s Two-Year College System to Review DEI Programs Amid GOP Pressure
TL/DR –
Kentucky’s two-year college system, KCTCS, is initiating an internal review of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs amid pressure from local Republican lawmakers. The move follows the closing of diversity offices at two Kentucky public universities due to similar pressures, and precedes potential legislative efforts against DEI in higher education. Ryan Quarles, KCTCS president, emphasized their commitment to student success and inclusivity, noting that the review aims to ensure that all services, programs, offices, and titles align with this mission.
Amid Republican lawmakers’ attempts to end diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in higher education, the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) is initiating an internal review.
Ryan Quarles, KCTCS president, expressed that the goal is to ensure that their programs reflect their commitment to student success for all students.
In an interview with the Kentucky Lantern, Quarles emphasized that KCTCS serves a diverse student population and is the most diverse institution in the state.
He reassured lawmakers, taxpayers, and policymakers that KCTCS is inclusive, and its services and programs are accessible to every student.
The review comes in light of two Kentucky public universities closing their diversity offices under pressure from Republican lawmakers. Anti-DEI efforts are foreseen to continue when the legislature reconvenes in January.
KCTCS announced that its review will focus on ensuring that all programs align with their commitment to student success. It serves over 100,000 students across 16 colleges and has a Diversity Peer Team at individual campuses.
KCTCS also provides education in prisons and addiction recovery centers, and awards more than half of Kentucky’s GEDs. According to Quarles, KCTCS is an open access college for all Kentuckians.
TheInterim Joint Committee on Education is set to hear presentations from five university presidents regarding their institutions’ DEI programs next week. Quarles is scheduled for a November presentation.
A primary aim of the review is to ensure consistency and awareness of resources available to all KCTCS students.
Quarles emphasized their commitment to inclusivity and the need to ensure that their faculty and staff’s titles and offices reflect their support for all students.
“We often need to provide extra help to our community colleges’ students, such as mental health support and childcare. This review may help us uncover best practices to help all students achieve their college dream,” Quarles added.
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