“We think that the best way to safeguard our people and our ability to continue supporting them is to abide by the law.”
University of Kentucky (UK) President Eli Capilouto explained the school’s controversial decision to cancel graduation ceremonies for LGBTQ+, Black, and first-generation students as a necessary measure to “protect our people,” according to the Lexington Herald Leader.
In a video message to the campus community, Capilouto defended the move, made amid growing pressure from the Trump administration targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The university opted to discontinue these identity-based events, citing compliance with legal changes as essential for continuing to support its students.
“These decisions are difficult and, understandably, painful,” Capilouto acknowledged. “Ending events that affirm members of our community who have historically felt overlooked is not easy. But we believe following the law is the best way to safeguard our people and our ability to keep supporting them.”
The cancellations affected events like the Lavender Graduation for LGBTQ+ students and the Harambe Unity Graduation for Black and first-generation students—celebrations many students had been anticipating.
One such student, Jay Stringer-Vaught, who is earning a master’s degree in library science, expressed deep disappointment. “UK is fine taking my money as a gay student, but not okay recognizing me as one,” he said. Financial constraints and accessibility issues made the smaller, inclusive ceremony more viable for his family, especially since his mother uses a wheelchair.
These changes follow a law passed by Kentucky lawmakers requiring all colleges and universities to dismantle DEI initiatives by June 30, 2025. UK is also under federal investigation by the U.S. Department of Education, accused of potentially excluding applicants based on race in some graduate programs.
Secretary of Education Linda McMahon stated in a letter that civil rights enforcement will be refocused to eliminate unlawful discrimination, emphasizing merit-based assessments for all students.
Capilouto believes the scrutiny UK is facing, alongside 45 other institutions, is connected to its involvement with the PhD Project, an organization that supports networking for doctoral students, including those from underrepresented backgrounds.
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