WILSON ON UK’S FEDERAL CIVIL RIGHTS VIOLATION
FRANKFORT, KY (Oct. 2, 2025)—The following is a statement from Senate Majority Whip Mike Wilson, R-Bowling Green, regarding a recent finding by the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights that the University of Kentucky discriminates against students on the bases of race and national origin by supporting a racially discriminatory event, The PhD Project conference, during the 2024-25 academic year.
“The federal government’s decision confirms what the Kentucky legislature and a majority of Kentuckians already knew: taxpayer-funded DEI programs that sort people by skin color are not only divisive, they are unlawful.
“I applaud this commonsense enforcement action, which reinforces the principle that opportunity in education must be based on merit, not identity politics.
“The Kentucky General Assembly took that same stand when we passed legislation ending mandatory DEI offices and spending in our public universities. These programs have too often fostered division, compelled ideological conformity, and failed to deliver on their promises. The ruling against the University of Kentucky’s partnership highlights exactly why our law was necessary.
“Our classrooms and campuses should be places where students and faculty are free to learn and achieve on their own merits without being forced into categories or subjected to political litmus tests. Kentucky will continue to lead the way in protecting academic freedom and ensuring fairness for everyone.”
BACKGROUND:
On March 13, 2025, The U.S. The Department of Education Office for Civil Rights opened an investigation into the above allegation under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), 42 U.S.C. §§ 2000d et seq., and its implementing regulations at 34 C.F.R. Part 100, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, and national origin by recipients of federal financial assistance. Because the university receives federal financial assistance from the department, OCR has jurisdiction under Title VI.
OCR officials reviewed information provided by a complainant and the university. After a review of this information, OCR determined that UK violated Title VI and its implementing regulation through its participation in The PhD Project.
UK President Capilouto signed a resolution agreement on Wednesday that ends the investigation. The university has 60 days to file a report identifying any other organizations that “restrict participation based on race” with which it has “agreement, membership or partnership.”
House Bill 4, sponsored by Rep. Jennifer Decker, R-Waddy, passed during the 2025 Legislative Session, prohibits Kentucky’s public universities from funding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and requires the closure of DEI offices and positions by June 30. It prevents institutions from influencing admissions, hiring, scholarships, and campus programs based on race, religion, sex, color, or national origin.
The bill also bans mandatory DEI training and prohibits universities from requiring any student to enroll in or complete an academic course of which the primary purpose is to indoctrinate participants with a discriminatory concept, as defined by the bill. HB 4 prohibits public universities from requiring diversity statements on applications for employment, promotion, contract, contract renewal, admission, housing, financial aid, or scholarships.
###
Sen. Mike Wilson, R-Bowling Green, represents the 32nd Senate District, including Logan, Simpson, and Todd Counties and southern Warren County. Wilson serves as the Senate majority whip. As a Senate majority leadership member, he serves on the Legislative Research Commission, the Committee on Committees, and the Rules Committee. He is also a member of the Senate Committees on Agriculture; Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor; Education; Transportation; and Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection. Additionally, Wilson serves on the Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee and the Public Pension Oversight Board.
Please visit https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators Full Res Images/senate132.jpg for a high-resolution .jpeg of Wilson.