KRS 164.2895(1)(g): An institution shall not...[h]old a hearing, tribunal, or other disciplinary proceeding on a bias incident unless the general counsel for the institution authorizes the hearing and certifies in writing, after a review of all relevant evidence, that the hearing is necessary to ensure compliance with applicable state or federal law.

Response:

Compliance Status

The University is in compliance with both provisions.

Compliance Measures Taken

The University revised its investigation policy, now titled Reports of Bias, Discrimination, and Harassment, which incorporates the statute's language verbatim. The policy only permits an investigation or hearing if the General Counsel certifies in writing that it is necessary under the exceptions outlined in the statute.

KRS 164.2895(1)(h): An institution shall not...[e]xpend any resources to: 1. Establish or maintain a diversity, equity, and inclusion office; 2. Contract or employee an individual to serve as a diversity, equity, and inclusion officer; 3. Provide diversity, equity, and inclusion training or contribute to any cost associated with planning, promoting, hosting, traveling to, attending, presenting, or otherwise participating in diversity, equity, and inclusion training; or 4. Establish or maintain a diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative.

The University is compliant as it has no such office, officer or training.

As a part of the HB4 compliance process, the University Administration reviewed positions titles, job descriptions, performance goals, and annual work plans to ensure compliance with HB4 and provided extensive training to employees. Job descriptions were specifically reviewed and amended as needed to ensure that employee responsibilities did not include developing, implementing, or promoting prohibited trainings or initiatives. Any activities identified as potential violations were suspended or modified as appropriate.

The Office of University Counsel reviews programming and initiatives to ensure they comport with HB4 and federal law and guidance.

KRS 164.2895(1)(i): An institution shall not...[o]n an application for employment, promotion, contract, contract renewal, admission, housing, financial aid, or scholarship, compel, solicit, or consider any pledge or statement on an applicant's experience with or views on religion, race, sex, color, or national origin, except an institution may: 1. If an applicant for admission or scholarship submits and unsolicited statement concerning how a matter relating to religion, race, sex, color, or national origin affected his or her life, consider the statement but shall not provide differential treatment or benefits based upon the race, sex, religion, color, or national origin of the applicant; and 2. Require an applicant for housing to