University of Kentucky will no longer offer gender-inclusive student housing under anti-DEI law

Monica Kast, Lexington Herald-Leader on Oct 17, 2025

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The University of Kentucky will no longer offer gender-inclusive housing in accordance with House Bill 4, the state law passed earlier this year banning diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies at state universities.

Additionally, UK has ended financial support for identity-based student organizations and activities, UK spokesperson Jay Blanton said.

Previously, students who are transgender or non-binary were able to request to live on campus with other transgender or non-binary students. But that is no longer the case, UK’s student newspaper the Kentucky Kernel first reported.

The Kernel also reported that UK no longer keeps preferred pronouns on records.

Blanton confirmed the change was to be in alignment with HB4, which requires state universities and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System to defund all DEI initiatives. That includes offices, policies and practices “designed or implemented to promote or provide preferential treatment or benefits to individuals on the basis of religion, sex, color, or national origin,” according to the law.

“In accordance with House Bill 4 and new federal guidance, the university can no longer offer separate housing accommodations based on an applicant’s stated gender identity,” Blanton said Friday. “We understand that housing and roommate arrangements are an important part of the student experience, and we remain committed to supporting all students.”

Blanton added: “As always, if any student encounters any concerns regarding their housing or roommate assignment, UK Campus Housing and the Office for Student Success are here to work with the student to ensure they have a safe and comfortable living experience on campus.”

Identity-based student organizations are no longer eligible to receive financial support from the university, or can UK “host or attend identity-based events or activities,” under HB4, according to information on the university’s website.

“In accordance with both federal directives and House Bill 4, the university cannot expend institutional funds or resources on identity-based activities,” Blanton said. “However, all registered student organizations (RSOs), including identity-based ones, receive support by way of an employee advisor, which has always been the case for RSOs.”

UK has made several institutional changes under the new law, including adopting a neutrality policy and withdrawing from the Lexington Pride Festival earlier this year.

These changes come as DEI is also under scrutiny nationwide.

UK was found to be in violation of the federal Civil Rights Act earlier this year for participating in a conference designed for students of color. More than 50 universities were investigated by the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights for allegations of providing “racial preferences and stereotypes in education programs and activities.”

UK was found to be in violation for its participation in The PhD Project’s annual conference, a networking organization that helps doctoral students complete their degrees.

The university cut all ties with the organization shortly after the investigation was announced. After the violation was announced, UK will now submit a report to the Office for Civil Rights that identifies any other organization that UK has a partnership or affiliation with that “may restrict participation based on race.”

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