A staff member at the University of Kentucky (UK) has been caught in an undercover investigation, suggesting the university continues to promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, despite a statewide ban on DEI in higher education.
Justin Conder, a Department Manager Associate in the Department of Sociology at UK, was recorded speaking with an undercover investigator he believed to be a prospective student. During the conversation, the investigator asked whether DEI principles were part of the Sociology curriculum. Conder confirmed that they were.
“Even if it’s not explicitly said, it’s there, and it’s an important part of the curriculum,” Conder said. “If you look at the syllabuses especially, it’s there.” He added, “People have to teach these things.”
Conder indicated that the investigator would need to speak with “Mr. Brown” for more details on how DEI is applied specifically. However, when asked about the university’s compliance with the DEI ban, Conder responded, “It’s one of those things… I know it seems like there are policies flying everywhere. It’s the commitment of the college too.”
In a follow-up conversation, also captured on video, Conder claimed he did not remember the initial discussion, despite the recording.
“I am just a staff worker here,” Conder said. “This is a nuanced issue.” When asked to elaborate, he declined.
Another staff member then intervened, advising the investigators to contact the university’s legal counsel and asking Accuracy in Media to leave the premises.
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This article originally appeared on Accuracy In Media. It is republished with permission.
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