To the editor:

I am deeply disappointed by the Kansas Legislature’s recent decision to prohibit all content relating to diversity, equity and inclusion from required courses in our colleges and universities. The consequences of this legislation, if not its intent, are anti-democratic, racist, and sexist. If this legislation is enforced, freedom of speech and thought, which are fundamental to teaching and learning, will be seriously weakened in our colleges and universities. If all attention to diversity, equity, and inclusion is eliminated, what remains is sameness, inequity and exclusion.

I taught American history at KU for 40 years and included the study of the history of slavery, civil rights, the history of women and women’s rights in these courses. Our history is not complete if they are left out of the story. I could not in good conscience teach the sanitized version of history that the Legislature is mandating. I hope our leaders will have the courage to resist and replace this dangerous legislation.

Ray Hiner,

Lawrence