LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – Silent protesters were on the University of Kentucky’s campus Friday afternoon pushing back against the university’s compliance of state and federal law that bans diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at the school.
Commencement is in two weeks, and the university will no longer host graduation ceremonies that recognize specific groups such as LGBTQ+, Black and first-generation graduates.
About 30 people, including faculty, staff and students, displayed their disagreement with the university’s stance on complying with state and federal efforts to ban displays of d-e-i during graduation during a silent protest at UK’s Gatton Student Center.
Craig Blair, the founder of Peaceful Bluegrass Resistance, says the DEI ban is government overreach and LGBTQ+, Black and first-generation graduates are being targeted and excluded during commencement.
“Why should these students not get to go through their special ceremonies, whatever that is, the pinning or recognition or whatever, but the white students and the Freek organizations get to go through their special ceremonies?” Blair said.
Some UK students found an ally.
“Actually, really heartwarming that we are not alone in all of the things that have been stripped of us as we are finishing up this last year at the University of Kentucky,” said UK student Kennedy Alexander.
The silent protest moved upstairs to the UK Board of Trustees meeting.
Signs were held high as President Eli Capilouto addressed the room.
He says the school had to make tough decisions, decisions that he says hurt.
“Canceling celebration for people on our campus who haven’t always seen themselves in our broader community is one example,” he said.
President Capilouto says taking that action is what is required.
“We believe in complying with the law and the directives is the best way to protect our people in our continued capacity to support them,” he said.
President Capilouto says that if the school remains focused on working with partners, it will make progress for the Commonwealth possible.
“We will, again, not simply survive but thrive,” Capilouto said.
University spokesperson Jay Blanton says the school will find ways to honor and support all students and that student organizations are independent groups and can host their own private graduation events.
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