KY Senate Democratic leader falls short of changing GOP higher ed bills in committee
Kentucky Senate Democratic Leader Gerald Neal of Louisville presents alternatives to Republican-sponsored anti-DEI legislation and a bill that faculty say will erode tenure rights. He was speaking to the Senate Education Committee, March 10, 2025. (LRC Public Information)
FRANKFORT — Backed by United Campus Workers of Kentucky, Senate Democratic Floor Leader Gerald Neal attempted to get the Senate Education Committee to adopt substitute versions of two Republican higher education bills Monday afternoon.
The Louisville Democrat wasn't successful in either case.
The Senate Education Committee forwarded both House Bill 424, which Kentucky professors have warned would erode academic tenure at the state's public universities, and House Bill 4, which would eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in public universities.
Neal's changes to HB 424 would have ensured that faculty would be evaluated on criteria related to their academic discipline. His proposed changes to the anti-DEI bill were more substantial; he said they would address 'unintended consequences' of the bill, should it become law. He presented his proposals with Ray Horton, a professor at Murray State University and member of United Campus Workers (UCW).
The Republican sponsors of both bills, Rep. James Tipton, of Taylorsville, for HB 424 and Rep. Jennifer Decker, of Waddy, for HB 4, said Neal's committee substitutes would 'weaken' their legislation. Both committee substitutes failed in voice votes.
'We're saying a whole lot about ourselves here,' Neal said while voting no on House Bill 4. 'I'm hoping we can reclaim ourselves, because I know there are good people here, and I will continue to reach out to you.'
Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Reggie Thomas of Lexington also spoke and voted against the anti-DEI bill, noting that until less than 80 years ago Black Kentuckians were barred by law from most of the state's public universities. He said HB 4 would turn back the clock.
'Today, we seek to reverse history and go back to our ugly past. Let's make no doubt about it, this bill is about race and about its intention to really change the course of history,' Thomas said. 'We want to put on the front door of these public universities, 'You are not welcome. Application denied.''
Neal and Thomas are the only Black members of the committee.
Paper copies of Neal's proposals were given to members of the committee and the bill sponsors during the meeting. During debate on Tipton's bill, Senate President Pro Tem David Givens, of Greensburg, repeated something he said he's heard from Democrats upon seeing committee substitutes for the first time during a meeting.
'To use a phrase that we often hear around this place, this is sure at the last second; if we could have seen this sooner, we could have had time to chew on this and think about this,' Givens said. 'This would have been really good for us to have seen sooner than this. But I've never had the chance to use that phrase before, so I get the chance to use it now.'
'I think you have a good point, but you know how it is up here,' Neal said in response. 'Things evolve, things come to your attention, and we are here and we do have the ability to make this happen. I think if we slow down just a moment and deliberate on exactly what's been presented here, we have an opportunity. So that's why I came forward.'
The committee also heard from about 10 speakers who opposed HB 4, the anti-DEI bill. They argued it could undermine resources on Kentucky campuses that protect diversity among students and faculty. After the meeting adjourned, advocates with UCW continued sharing their concerns with the legislation in a livestream outside of the Capitol Annex.
'House Bill 4 is far too imprecise, self-contradictory and frankly dangerous to become law in this commonwealth,' said Savannah Dowell, a student from the University of Louisville.
In order to protect both bills from Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear's veto, Senate Republicans must pass them by the end of this week. The legislature recesses Friday, giving Beshear almost two weeks to consider possible vetoes. Lawmakers return March 27 for the final two days of this session, when they can easily override any vetoes. Republicans hold a veto-proof supermajority in the House and Senate.
HB 4 has two readings in the Senate, making it eligible for a floor vote as early as Tuesday. Neal has filed 15 floor amendments to the bill. Sen. Keturah Herron, D-Louisville, has filed her own amendment as well.
HB 424 has no floor readings in the Senate and no new amendments filed.
Neal substitute for House Bill 4
HB 4 – PSS 4
Neal substitute for House Bill 424
25RS HB 424 PSS 1
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