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Beginning August 1, all forms of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives will be prohibited in Kansas state agencies, public universities, and contracts, following the enactment of a new budget provision.
This measure was discreetly added to the state budget bill and has since triggered widespread changes across departments and institutions.
Statewide DEI Role Elimination Confirmed
Kansas Secretary of Administration Adam Proffitt announced that a full review of state operations was completed to ensure compliance.
This included analyzing nearly 20,000 job titles across agencies for any reference to diversity, equity, inclusion, or DEI. According to Proffitt, any positions found to be tied to DEI efforts were either reassigned or removed.
The review also included training programs, grants, activities, and contracts, ensuring none contained DEI components.
Proffitt clarified, however, that while Kansas will not require DEI practices in contracts, some third-party contractors may still offer DEI-related services independently.
Universities Ordered to Comply With DEI Restrictions
Working closely with Kansas Board of Regents President Blake Flanders, Proffitt also initiated implementation in public universities. One of the changes includes a new statewide email policy directing all state employees to remove gender-identifying pronouns or references to gender ideology from email signatures and official communication.
University Compliance Under Scrutiny
Senate President Ty Masterson, a Republican from Andover, has requested an investigation into Kansas State University’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee.
The findings from this review will be presented during the next State Finance Council meeting, which includes Governor Laura Kelly and legislative leaders.
Kansas has taken a bold step to eliminate DEI initiatives across all levels of state government and higher education. With all relevant roles and requirements reviewed and adjusted, the state is moving forward with a strict interpretation of the new policy.
As Kansas universities and agencies adapt to these changes, further scrutiny and debate are expected in the coming months.