The senate education committee is again considering anti-DEI legislation. We recognize this for what it is: an attempt to limit our schools’ ability to help ALL children thrive; an effort to demonize teachers and educators; an overreach of state power; and, frankly, an act of racism unworthy of our great commonwealth. 

We call on the 2026 legislature to again reject the KEEP Act and any similar legislation.

Supporters of the KEEP Act claim this bill is simply designed to oppose discrimination. But that claim is misleading at best. We see all kinds of disparities today that exist for all kinds of reasons. Some examples: College enrollment for males is decreasing. A mental health crisis spreads among girls. Black students continue to be underrepresented in STEM fields. The KEEP Act would ban schools from doing anything to address these issues. Moreover, the KEEP Act could forbid educators from even talking about or learning about these issues.  

Our teachers and educators in Kentucky are working to help all children learn, grow, and succeed. The KEEP Act does not unite us in that effort. Rather, it takes away tools and resources; creates a climate of fear and uncertainty; and takes decision making power away from communities.  

Our schools and local districts have a right to determine what programs and supports their students and educators need. The KEEP Act, however, gives Frankfort politicians reckless control over what schools can and can’t do to help kids. Should Frankfort have the right to ban programs, trainings, and resources that schools and districts have found to help their students? We say no. 

The KEEP Act’s sweeping censorship will limit the quality of education Kentucky’s children receive, contradicts our values of free speech and academic integrity, and lays the groundwork for a witch hunt against teachers and educators. 

Can we read this book? Can we go to this training? Can we share this research? Those questions are no longer answered by caring professionals but by the whims of Frankfort bureaucrats interpreting the vague and reckless language of this law. 

Should anything that could be defined as diversity be banned from our schools? Should anything that could be defined as equity be banned from our schools? Should anything that could be defined as inclusion be banned from our schools? This is the sweeping power of the KEEP Act. 

This is what racism looks like. In word the KEEP Act speaks of equality but in deed it would stop any efforts to actually address inequalities. 

The tactic is to divide and fearmonger. This legislation isn’t about improving the on-the-ground lives of people. All these impacts will only worsen an already troubling teacher shortage and is a distraction from politicians tackling issues that actually affect our schools. This is a politics of fear and division that we strongly reject. 

In 2024 the legislature rejected anti-DEI efforts in K-12 schools. It was the right call then and it is the right call now.