By Tate Luckey
University of Louisville President Kim Schatzel issued a statement Monday morning endorsing support of Kentucky college campuses’ diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. She joins Council on Postsecondary Education President Dr. Aaron Thompson.
Her statement comes just five days after the University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto openly opposed anti-diversity legislation making its way through the Kentucky General Assembly in Frankfort. Kentucky senators have sponsored several bills aimed at curbing DEI policies and other “divisive” concepts endorsed at Kentucky universities.
“I have spent much of the last few weeks on campus and in our community talking with students, staff, faculty, alumni, business and community partners, and legislative leaders about the importance of diversity and inclusion in our classrooms, on our campuses, as well as in corporate and community spaces,” Schatzel said.
“I strongly believe that you cannot deliver a high-quality university education without a diverse classroom and campus – inclusive of all demographics, identities and ideologies. Only in such circumstances and with such experiences will our students be prepared to foster their own and others’ excellence in a diverse global economy. In short, a diverse and inclusive campus better prepares our students to lead.”
Schatzel has a strong history of supporting and encouraging related DEI initiatives that go back to her time as the former president at Towson University. She continued to outline her support of such ideas during her update from her listening tours in September, and in a conversation last April.
U of L spokesperson John Karman says the statement Monday comes as both a response to legislative efforts in Frankfort and to reaffirm the university’s stance.
President Schatzel’s full statement is quoted below:
Dear U of L Faculty, Staff and Students,
I have spent much of the last few weeks on campus and in our community talking with students, staff, faculty, alumni, business and community partners, and legislative leaders about the importance of diversity and inclusion in our classrooms, on our campuses, as well as in corporate and community spaces.
I strongly believe that you cannot deliver a high-quality university education without a diverse classroom and campus – inclusive of all demographics, identities and ideologies. Only in such circumstances and with such experiences will our students be prepared to foster their own and others’ excellence in a diverse global economy. In short, a diverse and inclusive campus better prepares our students to lead.
My first presidential priority is an unwavering commitment to inclusive student success. That is, ALL students – again inclusive of all demographics, identities, and ideologies – should successfully complete their degrees at the University of Louisville.
Toward that goal, I join Council on Postsecondary Education President Dr. Aaron Thompson and strongly endorse continued support for DEI initiatives on our campuses throughout Kentucky, noting the gains made in student enrollment and success, particularly among underrepresented minority students.
UofL and I as its president remain committed to being an institution that values the unique backgrounds and contributions of all our faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members – inclusive of all races, religions, ethnicities, ages, ideologies and levels of ableness. It also includes students who identify as veterans, refugees, LGBTQIA+, adult learners, rural, first generation, pell-eligible and others – all the while recognizing and respecting the impact of intersectionality. Our focus remains that all members of our University of Louisville community can thrive and are supported to reach their highest potential.
Kim Schatzel
President
Photo Courtesy // WDRB
