Federal Policy Updates; Telling Your Story
Campus Community,
This morning, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights distributed a news release indicating that 45 universities — including the University of Kentucky — are under review regarding the use of “racial preferences and stereotypes in education programs and activities.” You can read the news release here.
We believe the review with respect to UK and a number of other institutions concerns the relationship with an organization called “The Ph.D. Project,” which provides networking opportunities for doctoral students.
To be clear: The University of Kentucky complies with both the Constitution and Title VI. Our graduate programs are open to all qualified applicants.
We have not yet received any official notification from the Department of Education regarding this review, but we are aware of the news release and are responding to media inquiries.
From our initial review, UK’s role in this organization has been limited to attendance at an annual conference sponsored by the organization. This conference is designed to encourage networking among schools to promote enrollment. Further, from our initial review, we do not have any doctoral students engaged with the program.
We will continue to monitor and review this issue, cooperate with any official inquiries and, as always, comply with the law.
Other activities at the federal level
We have been closely monitoring negotiations in Congress regarding funding for the federal government and a potential government shutdown. The U.S. Senate will vote today on a bill that would continue funding and avoid a shutdown.
If Congress does not pass legislation, we would expect a government shutdown that is short in duration to create minimal disruptions at the university. Nonetheless, as we do each year, a team of administrators has been developing plans to prepare for all scenarios.
We also continue to assess several actions by the administration and responding litigation. You can find updates at pres.uky.edu/monitoring-federal-changes-2025 and research.uky.edu/federal-changes-2025.
Help us tell your story
Our Government Relations teams have been advocating on behalf of the university and our community in Frankfort and Washington. We must stay coordinated on these efforts. But given the rapid pace of news and uncertainty, I have heard from many of you ask, “What can I do? How can I make a difference?”
The Office of Public Relations and Strategic Communications is highlighting the work so many across our campus and Commonwealth are doing to make an impact on Kentucky and its people. Whether it’s through education, research, service or care, it is vital that we elevate this work that is essential to our mission of advancing Kentucky.
We are especially interested in sharing stories about those directly impacting Kentuckians and research that is helping address Kentucky's challenges. If you know of someone in the UK community (faculty, staff, students or alumni) who is making an impact on Kentucky, please complete this form.
This is a way you can help bring awareness to the critical role we play in the Commonwealth and nation with the support of our state and federal leaders.
Thank you, as always, for all that you do for our university and the state we serve.
Eli Capilouto
President