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Local teacher urges board to safeguard DEI principles after state reporting
Summary
A representative of the Hardin County Education Association told the board that recent reporting suggested the Kentucky Department of Education eliminated DEI initiatives and urged local protections to preserve inclusive practices for students and staff.
Lawson Barker, speaking on behalf of the Hardin County Education Association during public comment, said recent coverage in the Lexington Herald-Leader reported that the Kentucky Department of Education had eliminated diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives from public schools. Barker urged the board to consider what protections the county might adopt to ensure equal opportunity and access for all students if state policy changes.
"What have we as a state eliminated and how will we as a county still provide opportunity and access for all?" Barker asked, saying the question affects programs ranging from classroom curriculum to special education and extracurricular activities. Barker warned that the issue could reach subjects including science, social studies and projects that highlight historically marginalized communities.
Barker said the concern is broader than any single student group, citing potential impacts on a Harlem Renaissance project, female football players, and special-education services, and asked the board whether it has considered steps to protect equal rights for families, students and faculty should an anti‑DEI mandate be imposed.
The board thanked Barker for his comment; the speaker noted that this line of questioning is primarily directed at the commissioner and the state but asked the local board to consider county-level options and responses.
