that's getting a lot of discussion in Frankfort, the longest-serving member and the state Senate tried to block the staying of an Anti dei bill targeting Kentucky's public colleges and universities.

Louisville, Democrat and Senate minority Floor Leader Gerald Meal offered a fleet of changes that were rejected by the Republican dominated committee today.

Here are some of the testimony both for and against House Bill 4 sponsored by Waddy Republican Jennifer Decker.

>> Opponents of this bill misread.

Or don't read the bill before they state their objections.

I have received countless letters from opponents of the bill who state that it is terrible that the bill threatens student centers and supports for veterans first generation and low income students.

Services that the bill specifically and explicitly.

Exempts from the application of the bill.

This bill solely aims at unconstitutional dei initiatives, offices and officers that promote or provide differential treatment or benefits to individuals on the basis of religion, race, color, sex, national origin, nothing broader on the campus.

After the United States Supreme Court ruled in the 2023 case of students for fair admissions versus harbor.

It's clear that race conscious preferences violate the 14th Amendment and the Civil Rights Act of 19.

64 in the majority opinion in that case.

Chief Justice John Roberts in the majority opinion states eliminating racial discrimination means eliminating all of it.

A continuation of unconstitutional practices.

Woods would.

Subject our state to great legal risks and students.

2 great harm.

Discrimination.

On February.

28th my classmate, Savannah, Dow and I.

>> Both organized of day of dei where across every public university campus in the state of Kentucky.

Helder.

But students held a rally to support their diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

Students from all over Kentucky from the Urban Centers of Lexington and Louisville to the Jackson purchase and western Kentucky to the Appalachian Mountains and Morehead enrichment.

All came together to say that they belong on their campus and they deserve to hold space on their campus.

I'm concerned that House Bill 4 is a vague definitions of differential treatment will harm students.

>> I'm already feeling the effect, for example, last week I learned that women studies.

I've also the director of women's studies at my institution must pas are women and art contest because of evolving legislation.

This contest has been operating since I started at MSU in 2000.

Similarly, I'm troubled that house before could be interpreted to abolish student groups like the Black Gospel Ensemble diminish scholarship opportunities like the Kentucky trio program which supports disadvantaged students of all ages and veterans upward bound.

House Bill 4 could even impact how we handle disability accommodations.

The bill introduced as a slippery s****.

During the roll call vote on the bill.

Senate Minority Caucus Chair Reggie Thomas of Lexington.

>> Had this to say.

>> Let's make no doubt doubt about it.

This bill is about race.

And about his intentions to really change the course of history.

We want to we want to put on the front door.

The puppy diverse cities.

You are not welcome.

Application did not.

>> Now the bill was approved by the committee on a largely party line vote and it's headed to the Senate floor.

The Senate has until Friday to secure a veto proof vote on the measure.