Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear arrives to commemorate the 60th anniversary of "Bloody Sunday" on March 09, 2025 in Selma, Alabama.
Subscribe To
OUT MAGAZINE
OUT MAGAZINE
Subscribe To
OUT MAGAZINE
OUT MAGAZINE
Calling his signature an “act of love” in the face of “hate,” Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear on Thursday vetoed a bill banning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts in the state’s public schools and universities. Beshear signed the veto of House Bill 4 in a post to social media, surrounded by individuals directly impacted by DEI policies. Republicans enjoy a veto-proof supermajority in both houses of the Kentucky legislature, however, and can easily override Beshear’s expected veto of the bill.
In addition to prohibiting DEI efforts in public schools and universities in the state, House Bill 4 would also increase oversight to ensure compliance with the ban. Administrators at public colleges and universities would also have a June 30 deadline to adopt “viewpoint neutrality” ensuring students and employees are not discriminated against because of their ethnicity or political viewpoints.
Beshear called out Republicans for their approval of House Bill 4 in a signing ceremony later posted to social media.
“I’ll always believe that diversity is a strength and never a weakness, that we are better with more voices and more seats at our table,” Beshear said in the post before signing the veto. “Now, I believe in the Golden Rule that says we love our neighbor as ourself. And there are no exceptions, no asterisks. We love and we accept everyone. This bill isn’t about love. House Bill 4 is about hate. So I’m gonna try a little act of love myself, and I’m gonna veto it right now.”
Trending stories
Bradley Price, a student at the University of Louisville, was present at the signing.
“By vetoing this bill, Governor Beshear is telling marginalized people across the state that he stands with us,” Price said in the post. “He will fight to make sure that we have access to education.”
Ricky Santiago, chapter president of the National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce, was also present at the signing.
“Equity and diversity is not about taking away from anyone,” Santiago said in the post. “It’s about being intentional and making sure that everyone can reach their full human potential.”
The bill was primarily sponsored by Republican state Rep. Jennifer Decker. During debate, she characterized the bill as an effort to improve educational opportunities for all students in the state.
“If education is to be the great equalizer in the commonwealth, the opportunity to obtain a college degree in our state must be equally available and affordable for all,” Decker said, the Kentucky Lantern reports. “House Bill 4 would allow our universities and colleges to return to their focus away from social engineering to provide Kentucky students with excellent academic instruction in an environment that fosters critical thinking through open, constructive dialog.”
Republicans are expected to override Beshear’s veto when they return to session later this month.
Recommended Stories for You
Latest Stories
