Yesterday, we told you the University of Kentucky is dissolving its Office for Institutional Diversity.

The decision follows legislative efforts to curtail or even prohibit diversity, equity and inclusion or DEI programs in Kentucky universities.

Tonight, we're hearing from UK President Dr. Eli CAPELOUTO, who in a message to the UK community, says it's time the university makes some changes.

How do we create space for divergent points of view, or do we too often place ourselves in an ideological bubble that shuts out other perspectives in creating the perception that we have centralize so much of our work around inclusion in one office?

Do we undermine the idea that creating a sense of belonging is a responsibility we all share everywhere on this campus?

Or how do we demonstrate that we are community for everyone in everything that we do?

People must trust that we are a place that welcomes all people and values the perspectives they bring to the table, whether black, brown or white, straight or gay, progressive or conservative.

We must be impartial facilitators of learning, discovering and healing.

CAPELOUTO says U.K. will also no longer mandate diversity training, and they'll remove diversity statements from the hiring process.

Legislation targeting DEI programs failed to pass during the 2024 Kentucky General Assembly.

CAPELOUTO says lawmakers have made it clear to him that the discussion is likely to continue in the upcoming legislative session.

Meanwhile, state Representative Jennifer Decker applauded UC's decision.

The Republican from Shelby County sponsored legislation that would have eliminated race based scholarships and offices and trainings at Kentucky's public universities.

In a statement to the Republican from Shelby County said in part, quote, Our efforts have always been aimed at eliminating unconstitutional, unnecessary, costly and duplicative bureaucracy while still making sure our campuses are open and welcoming to a diversity of students and staff.

I appreciate the University of Kentucky for taking this step and remain hopeful that other institutions, as well as the Council on Postsecondary Education, will follow their lead and recognize that this failed experiment has done nothing to make post-secondary education more accessible and quote.