🎓 The Rise and Fall of DEI in Kansas Higher Education

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs emerged in U.S. higher education as structured efforts to foster diverse student bodies, ensure fair treatment across groups, and create inclusive campus environments. These initiatives often involved dedicated offices, training sessions for faculty and staff, and integration into hiring practices, admissions, and curricula. In Kansas, public universities like the University of Kansas (KU), Kansas State University (KSU), and Wichita State University (WSU) implemented DEI strategies in the 2010s and accelerated them after 2020 amid national conversations on racial justice.

However, by 2023, a conservative backlash gained traction, viewing DEI as promoting division rather than unity. Kansas lawmakers, primarily Republicans, began targeting these programs. Early actions included budget provisos in 2023 banning DEI 'oaths' or mandatory trainings at KU and other institutions. In 2024, House Bill 2105 prohibited certain DEI actions, and Senate Bill 125 directed the Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) to eliminate DEI positions and activities using state funds. By mid-2025, universities certified compliance, removing DEI offices, pronouns from email signatures, and related programming, with KBOR issuing detailed guidance on June 18, 2025.

Despite these steps, concerns persisted that DEI concepts lingered in general education courses and student activities. This set the stage for 2026 proposals demanding stricter certification of elimination, reflecting broader national trends in states like Florida and Texas where similar bans reshaped campuses.

📜 Key Proposals Advancing: HB 2428 and HB 2434

The current anti-DEI push centers on two major House bills introduced in early 2026, both advancing through committees as of March 2026. House Bill 2428, dubbed the 'Freedom from Indoctrination Act,' sponsored by Representatives Susan Humphries, Megan Steele, Kristey Williams, and Bob Lewis, prohibits public postsecondary institutions from requiring or incentivizing students to take courses with specified DEI or Critical Race Theory (CRT) content for degree completion.

HB 2428 defines DEI-CRT content broadly, including discussions of 'whiteness,' institutional racism, unconscious bias, gender identity, social justice, race-based reparations, or claims that colorblind laws perpetuate oppression or white supremacy. Exemptions apply to courses primarily focused on racial, ethnic, or gender studies, and historical facts like slavery or the Holocaust remain teachable. The bill mandates a new required civics course on the U.S. Constitution, Declaration of Independence, Federalist Papers, and ideologies like communism. Freshman orientations must cover First Amendment rights, offering DEI-free alternatives if needed. Implementation costs are estimated at $5 million across six universities.

Complementing this, House Bill 2434, a comprehensive budget bill, ties funding directly to compliance. It requires universities to certify to the State Finance Council that general education requirements do not compel DEI-CRT courses. Non-compliance risks $2 million withheld per institution, totaling potential multimillion-dollar cuts. Additional measures include freezing tuition revenue, easing tenured faculty dismissals after a one-year improvement plan, and mandating 10% reductions in leadership expenses and staff.

• Prohibits mandatory DEI/CRT in gen ed or as graduation requirement.
• Demands proof of compliance for state funding release.
• Introduces civics mandates to promote ideological balance.
• Targets administrative bloat amid $200 million state budget shortfalls.

As of mid-March 2026, HB 2434 passed House committee amendments, while HB 2428 drew heated Education Committee hearings. These build on KBOR's ongoing oversight.View HB 2434 details.

🏛️ Certification Process and KBOR Oversight

The Kansas Board of Regents, governing KU, KSU, WSU, Emporia State University, Pittsburg State University, and Fort Hays State University, enforces compliance. Post-2025 laws, KBOR required annual certifications verifying no state funds support DEI positions, grants, or contracts promoting discrimination. Guidance defines DEI narrowly to allow essential functions like Title IX compliance.

New proposals escalate this: Universities must submit evidence to the State Finance Council proving gen ed curricula are free of prohibited content. Critics note vagueness—no explicit definitions in HB 2434—raising fears of overreach into fields like social work or nursing, where cultural competence is standard. Supporters argue self-certification with audits ensures accountability, preventing 'Victim Status 101' courses.

Recent audits revealed gaps; a KSU advisor admitted in March 2026 that DEI persists subtly, prompting legislative ire. KBOR now extends scrutiny to student governments, previously exempt.KBOR DEI Guidance PDF.

🎯 Impacts on Universities, Students, and Faculty

Public universities face immediate pressures. At WSU, student governments learned in March 2026 of expanded rules, proposing to defund Hispanic, Black, Asian, and LGBTQ groups to comply. Leaders like Jia Wen Wang warn of scaled-back events, but emphasize solidarity: 'We are strong together.'

Faculty worry about academic freedom. Gamal Weheba of the Kansas AAUP argues curricula belong to educators, not politicians. Provisions easing tenure dismissals could chill debate in history, sociology, or ethics courses. Students in professional programs may lose training on health disparities or allyship, potentially affecting licensure.

Administrators scramble: KSU revised its mission statement, dropping 'diversity' for 'all.' KU and others culled DEI staff, redirecting to merit-based hiring. Budget hits exacerbate strains—$3 million cuts proposed for KU, KSU, WSU—limiting aid and operations.

• Student groups: Funding slashed for DEI-linked activities.
• Faculty: Curriculum reviews, tenure risks.
• Admissions/hiring: Shift to viewpoint-neutral processes.
• Overall: $2M+ potential penalties per non-compliant school.

🗣️ Stakeholder Reactions: A Divided Landscape

Proponents, led by Rep. Kristey Williams, decry ideological imbalance—90% liberal faculty forcing views on gender or race. They champion open inquiry, citing English 100 at KSU as indoctrination. Rep. Adam Turk calls DEI a 'distraction' resolvable by compliance promises.

Opponents, including Democrats like Jo Ella Hoye and unions, decry censorship. PEN America's Amy Reid warns of stifled critical thinking on race/gender. Kerry Gooch of Kansas Black Leadership Council fears weakened programs omitting diverse views. Professors like Eugene Rice at Fort Hays State stress faculty governance.

Student voices vary: Some welcome less 'compelled speech,' others fear lost belonging. Nationally, similar bans correlate with enrollment dips in affected states, per reports.

🌍 National Context and Broader Implications

Kansas joins 10+ states curbing DEI since 2023, from Florida's full bans to Utah's trainings overhaul. Federal shifts under Trump 2025 executive orders amplified this, targeting grants. Impacts include job losses for 100+ DEI roles nationwide, lawsuits challenging vagueness.

For Kansas higher ed careers, hiring emphasizes skills over ideology. Job seekers should highlight research/teaching excellence; platforms like higher ed faculty jobs list Kansas openings prioritizing merit.

💡 Actionable Advice: Navigating Compliance and Careers

Faculty: Audit syllabi for prohibited terms, frame discussions historically (e.g., Brown v. Board without bias claims). Emphasize civics, free speech in orientations.

Administrators: Streamline leadership per mandates, invest in balanced training. Certify promptly via KBOR portals.

Students: Explore electives in exempt studies; build resumes with internships via university jobs.

Job seekers: Note policy shifts—Kansas prioritizes postdocs, lecturers in STEM/humanities. Tailor applications to neutrality; use free resume templates for academia.

• Review course content against HB 2428 definitions.
• Document compliance for audits.
• Promote viewpoint diversity in hiring.
• Monitor legislature for final passage.

These changes foster meritocracy, potentially attracting talent seeking unbiased environments.

Photo by madeleine craine on Unsplash

🔮 Outlook: Compliance Strategies and Positive Paths Forward

With bills advancing, expect governor veto risks but overrides possible given GOP majorities. Universities adapt by rebranding initiatives as 'inclusive excellence' sans ideology. Long-term, emphasis on outcomes—retention, graduation—over metrics like representation.

For higher ed enthusiasts, Kansas remains vibrant: Strong ag, engineering programs at KSU; research at KU. Share professor experiences on Rate My Professor, explore higher ed jobs, career tips at higher ed career advice, or post openings via recruitment. Post a job today to connect amid changes. Comment below on how these policies affect your campus.

Balanced reforms promise rigorous, inclusive education without mandates.