Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat who won reelection in 2023 an overwhelmingly Republican state, reaffirmed his support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives during a recent Black History Month celebration.
Beshear told the audience:
“We talk about equity and it’s something we should all want in our heart — everyone to have true opportunity not held back by hundreds of years of unequal treatment. And just think about inclusion. It’s what we teach each and every one of our kids how we’re supposed to approach this world as one people.”
This comes amid a wave of anti-DEI legislation from the GOP-led House and Senate, underscored by the Kentucky Senate’s recent 26-6 vote that limits certain expressions of DEI in colleges.
For example, colleges can’t ask applicants, students, or staff to endorse “discriminatory” concepts — as defined in the bill.
The legislation does not, however, eliminate DEI offices at public colleges, but rather redefines the role by centering those offices’ efforts on supporting low-income students.
Interestingly, according to the Kentucky Lantern, Beshear highlighted how his state’s DEI programs don’t just benefit various ethnic groups, but also “veterans,” “military spouses,” and folks from rural areas.
It’s an interesting distinction from the national conversation which largely centers around DEI in the context of race or gender.
And it’s an example of how Beshear is able to skillfully move to the middle on certain issues.
Republicans, for example, might look more favorably on DEI programs that include veterans or military spouses, while Democrats might appreciate the commitment to ethnic diversity.
Big question going forward: Will this approach work in a presidential nomination run?
Via WTQV, here’s a news report of the event, with a clip of Beshear’s speech.
