UK canceled LBGTQ+, Black student graduations to ‘protect our people,' president says
University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto said canceling graduation celebrations for minority students was required because 'complying with the law is the best way to protect our people.'
Capilouto addressed the canceled celebrations in a video message sent to campus more than a week after the university said it would no longer host events for graduating LGBTQ+, Black and first-generation students. The move came as diversity, equity and inclusion policies and practices are being targeted at the state and federal levels.
'We have made tough decisions — decisions that in and of themselves cause concern and in some cases, hurt,' Capilouto said.
'Canceling celebrations for people on our campus who haven't always seen themselves reflected in our broader community is one example. We've taken that action because we believe that's what is required, and we believe complying with the law is the best way to protect our people and our continued capacity to support them.'
Earlier this year, the Kentucky legislature passed a law banning all diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, practices at state colleges and universities. Universities must be in compliance with the law by June 30.
Nationally, DEI has also come under scrutiny under the Trump administration. The U.S. Department of Education announced it was investigating more than 50 universities for their use of DEI, including UK.
UK later said it had cut ties with the organization believed to have sparked the investigation.
In the video, Capilouto said protecting and supporting students, faculty and staff 'will always be our first priority.'
'We won't be perfect. We will make mistakes, but we will always, in our hearts and in our actions, resolve to do what we can for you and all those we serve,' Capilouto said.
After it was announced the UK minority graduations were canceled, students and community members rallied to offer alternate graduations. A senior salute, organized by the historically Black fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha, will take place May 7 at the Lyric Theater.
Another celebration, sponsored by local businesses, took place May 2.
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