KU Diversity Plan Worries Some GOP Lawmakers

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) – A plan at the University of Kansas to require “inclusion and belonging” training for everyone on campus is drawing criticism from some Republican legislators.

Several said Wednesday they worry the training will become an effort to squelch conservative thought. Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little said that won’t happen and such training is common among businesses.

Lawmakers’ concerns could complicate the university’s sometimes-rocky relationship with the GOP-dominated Legislature as it faces tough budget decisions and potential spending cuts.

The university and the surrounding community of Lawrence are viewed across the state as liberal political bastions.

Diversity training is among the demands from the student protest group Rock Chalk Invisible Hawk.

The university says it is creating an advisory team to produce an “action plan” by mid-January that will cover “mandatory education.”