Modeled after a similar Tennessee bill, Senate Bill 6 could mean changes for DEI programs in post-secondary institutions.
The bill bars schools from mandating agreement with 16 concepts spelled out in the proposed law.
Those include any statements that suggest one race or sex is inherently superior to another; that anyone should feel discomfort or a sense of guilt over their race or sex; or that any individual, by virtue of race or sex, is inherently "privileged, racist, sexist, or oppressive."
See the full list of concepts below.
The bill's sponsor, Bowling Green Republican Mike Wilson, says he feels current laws and regulations already do a good job of rooting out discrimination.
"I think our laws are sufficient when you look at the federal laws and the state laws that have made sure that we are not being racist, especially in those kinds of areas where we're admitting students or we're reaching out to those that are wanting to be admitted to our university," Wilson says. "I think this is more of an ideology that's been introduced."
Under SB 6, a violation of the measure could cost institutions between $1,000 and $100,000. While the bill would not prohibit schools from having DEI offices or policies, it also would not compel any university or individual to sign on to its programs.
Critics of the Tennessee bill worry such laws will have a chilling effect in the classroom, causing educators to avoid critical discussions. Opponents have described the DEI laws as a higher education version of legislation meant to prohibit the teaching of concepts often gathered under the umbrella of "critical race theory" in K-12 schools.
According to the bill, divisive concepts include:
- 1. One race or sex is inherently superior or inferior to another race
- 2. An individual, by virtue of the individual's race or sex, is inherently privileged, racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether consciously or subconsciously
- 3. An individual should be discriminated against or receive adverse treatment because of the individual's race or sex
- 4. An individual's moral character is determined by the individual's race or sex
- 5. An individual, by virtue of the individual's race or sex, bears responsibility for actions committed in the past by other members of the same race or sex
- 6. An individual should feel discomfort, guilt, anguish, or another form of psychological distress solely because of the individual's race or sex
- 7. A meritocracy is inherently racist or sexist, or designed by a particular race or sex to oppress another race or sex
- 8. The Commonwealth of Kentucky or the United States of America is fundamentally or irredeemably racist or sexist
- 9. Promotes or advocates the violent overthrow of the United States government
- 10. Promotes division between, or resentment of, a race, sex, religion, creed, nonviolent political affiliation, social class, or class of people
- 11. Ascribes character traits, values, moral or ethical codes, privileges, or beliefs to a race or sex, or to an individual because of the individual's race or sex
- 12. The rule of law does not exist, but instead is a series of power relationships and struggles among racial or other groups
- 13. All Americans are not created equal and are not endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, including, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
- 14. Governments should deny to any person within the government's jurisdiction the equal protection of the law
- 15. Includes race or sex stereotyping
- 16. Includes race or sex scapegoating
