In April, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear signed Senate Bill 185 into law. The legislation declares a state of financial exigency at Kentucky State University and would transform the HBCU into a polytechnic institution focused on STEM education beginning June 1.
A group of Kentucky State University students, alumni, and prospective students have now filed a federal lawsuit against the commonwealth, claiming Kentucky’s actions violate federal civil rights laws and KSU’s status as the Kentucky’s only public historically Black educational institution, according to a report from WKYT.
In their suit, the plaintiffs highlight a September 2023 federal investigation that found KSU’s land-grant funding had been shorted by some $172 million compared to Kentucky’s other land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky. According to the plaintiffs, it is unfair for the commonwealth to use KSU’s financial challenges as an excuse to transform its mission, as those fiscal problems are a direct result of the commonwealth’s persistent underfunding.
The plaintiffs have asked the court to pause Senate Bill 185’s requirements regarding program closures, faculty terminations, and other operational changes while the lawsuit is ongoing.
KSU administrators released a statement regarding the lawsuit, stating the university “was not involved in the filing of the lawsuit, did not coordinate with the individuals who filed it, and was not aware of the action prior to” its filing. The statement also pledges that the HBCU “will continue to follow all applicable laws and work collaboratively with state and federal partners in fulfillment of its mission.”
