A group of KSU students and graduates is pressing a federal judge to halt the implementation of Senate Bill 185, a measure that would transform the historically Black university — putting more emphasis on in-demand career fields — over the next five years.
Critics worry the reforms will alter the university's mission, character, and culture. The class action suit argues the bill is discriminatory and would cause "irreparable harm" to students. The legal challenge echoes concerns voiced by former Kentucky House member and congressional candidate Charles Booker in a recent podcast.
"Standing up for this institution is not just a fight for Black Kentuckians. A strong KSU is a strong Kentucky, and we know that in order for us to heal our deepest wounds as a society we have to protect and invest in the culture and community for all people," he said.
The lawsuit comes just a month after the major reset was applauded in the Kentucky General Assembly as a chance for the school, which has long struggled with its finances, to avoid closure.
Democratic Sen. Gerald Neal, a KSU alum, was a vote in favor of the plan.
"There is an ability now to have a new start and to go into a position where (KSU) can project itself into the future," he said during the Senate floor debate over the legislation.
KSU President Dr. Koffi Akakpo assured students, faculty, and alumni that the HBCU would retain its mission in a March email.
The president said no current KSU student would be forced to transfer, all current majors would continue for enrolled students, the institution would not become a two-year or community college, and that the band, athletics, student organizations, fraternities, and sororities would remain.
The new court challenge calls on a judge not only to temporarily pause implementation of the law, but to ultimately overturn it entirely.
UPDATE (4:40 PM): KSU issued a response. Below is the full text.
On the afternoon of May 11, 2026, Kentucky State University received a copy of a substantial court filing from Morris & Morris, P.S.C., and is reviewing it with counsel. The filing was brought by plaintiffs who identify themselves as current students and alumni and who seek to proceed on behalf of proposed classes that include current students, alumni, prospective students, admitted students, and others connected to the University.
The filing package includes a complaint, a motion for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction, and supporting materials totaling more than 1,000 pages.
The University was not involved in filing this action, did not coordinate with the individuals who filed it, and was not aware of the action before receiving the filing. Because this matter is before the court, the University cannot comment further on the filing at this time.
As a public institution, Kentucky State will continue to follow applicable law and work collaboratively with state and federal partners in fulfillment of its mission.
Since 1886, Kentucky State has proudly served the Commonwealth as its only public HBCU and an 1890 land-grant institution. As the University marks 140 years of impact, that mission continues to guide its work. Kentucky State is committed to student success, academic excellence, research, public service, and expanding opportunity for the communities it serves.
Above all, our priority remains our students. This past weekend, Kentucky State proudly celebrated the Class of 2026, one of the largest graduating classes in recent University history. Across the full academic-year cycle, Kentucky State awarded 428 degrees and credentials. We congratulate these graduates and look forward to continuing our mission of transforming lives and serving the Commonwealth for generations to come.