The Kansas House Budget Proposal: A Push Against DEI in Core Curriculum

Kansas lawmakers, led by Republicans in the House Higher Education Budget Committee, have introduced provisions in the fiscal year 2026 budget bill that could withhold up to $12 million in state funding from the state's six public universities. The core issue centers on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Critical Race Theory (CRT)-related content in general education (gen ed) courses, which are mandatory requirements for most undergraduate degrees. These courses typically include foundational subjects like English composition, history, social sciences, and humanities designed to provide broad knowledge and skills.

The proposal, embedded as provisos in House Bill 2434, requires universities to certify to the State Finance Council—no DEI or CRT content in required gen ed courses to release the funds. This move escalates ongoing tensions between the Republican-controlled legislature and public higher education institutions, following previous bans on DEI in admissions and hiring.

Public universities in Kansas face a pivotal moment as they balance academic freedom with fiscal pressures. For faculty and administrators exploring career options amid uncertainty, resources like higher ed jobs and higher ed career advice offer valuable guidance.

Breaking Down the DEI Certification and Funding Mechanism

The mechanism is straightforward yet contentious: $2 million per university—totaling $12 million across the University of Kansas (KU), Kansas State University (K-State), Wichita State University (WSU), Emporia State University, Pittsburg State University, and Fort Hays State University—will be withheld until compliance is verified. Universities must demonstrate that no courses compel students to engage with DEI-CRT material as a graduation requirement. Exemptions apply to programs explicitly titled around racial, ethnic, or gender studies, allowing specialized majors to continue.

Certification goes to the State Finance Council, comprising legislative leaders and the governor. Rep. Adam Turk, committee chair, emphasized this as an incentive rather than punishment, stating universities can regain funds with a simple assurance of compliance. However, the lack of precise definitions for 'DEI-related' or 'CRT-related' content leaves room for interpretation, potentially sparking disputes over syllabi in courses like English 102 or introductory sociology.

• Withheld funds: $2M per institution, releasable upon certification.
• Exemptions: Core programs in ethnic/gender studies.
• Verification body: State Finance Council.

This approach mirrors budget riders in other states, tying fiscal levers to policy goals without standalone legislation.

Financial Impacts on Kansas' Public Universities

The six universities under the Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) rely heavily on state appropriations for operating budgets. For context, KU's FY2026 request was part of KBOR's broader $1.2 billion ask, with operating grants forming a significant portion. A $2M withhold equates to roughly 1-2% of annual state aid for larger institutions like KU and K-State, but compounds with other cuts.

Beyond DEI, the committee approved 2.5% cuts to operating grants at KU, K-State, and WSU—approximately $3 million each—citing unsustainable reserves post-COVID funds and tax cuts. Need-based aid faces a $2.3M slash, potentially affecting thousands of low-income students. KBOR must also plan 10% reductions in leadership office expenses and staff, targeting 'admin bloat.'

Tuition revenue sharing freezes at current levels, limiting revenue amid rising costs. Smaller schools like Emporia State, already restructuring, could feel amplified pressure.

Defining DEI and CRT in General Education: Examples and Challenges

General education courses comprise 30-40 credits of a typical bachelor's degree, covering communication, quantitative reasoning, natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. Republicans cite examples like K-State's English 100/102, where prompts challenge students' views on gender identity or systemic issues, labeling them 'indoctrination.' Rep. Bob Lewis called such content a 'washing machine' reshaping beliefs.

Other potential targets: sociology courses discussing privilege, history classes on civil rights with 'systemic racism' framing, or business ethics touching allyship. No exhaustive list exists, raising compliance fears. Faculty argue these foster critical thinking, not ideology—essential for fields like education and healthcare.

• English comp: Identity politics essays.
• Social sciences: Cultural competence modules.
• Humanities: Discussions of social justice.

Without definitions, universities risk self-censorship to secure funds.

Additional Budget Measures: Tenure, Admin, and Tuition Changes

The provisos extend beyond DEI. Tenure protections erode: faculty on improvement plans get one year (down from two) before dismissal or reassignment. KBOR must submit 10% admin cut plans, excluding faculty/support staff—aiming at vice provosts and deans. Tuition freezes prevent hikes for 2026-27, straining amid 3-5% annual inflation.

A $5.5M boost for Blueprint for Literacy offsets some cuts, training future teachers in reading skills. Community colleges tie $5M capital aid to no mill levy increases.

These align with GOP efficiency goals, but critics see them as punitive amid KBOR's FY2026 funding request for growth.

Legislative Path: From Committee to Governor's Desk

The House Higher Ed Budget Committee passed recommendations unanimously on some cuts, with provisos added. The full House Appropriations advances next, then Senate. With GOP supermajorities, passage likely. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly signed prior anti-DEI budgets but proposed $50M higher ed increases in her FY2026 plan, focusing on access.

Veto possible, but overrides frequent. HB 2428, the standalone DEI bill, stalled but its language lives in budget provisos.

Republican Lawmakers' Rationale and Vision

Proponents frame it as protecting academic freedom from 'liberal bias.' Rep. Kristey Williams: 90% liberal faculty demands balance. Rep. Turk: DEI a 'massive distraction'; cuts fiscal necessity post-tax reductions. Rep. Lewis: Prevents discrimination via DEI/CRT in gen ed.

Goal: Ensure students graduate without compelled ideology, fostering open inquiry.

University and Faculty Pushback: Defending Academic Integrity

KBOR silent, but faculty vocal. AAUP's Gamal Weheba: Politics shouldn't dictate curriculum. AFT-Kansas' Mike Harris: Undermines free speech across disciplines. Kerry Gooch (K-State alum): Harms teacher training sans cultural competence.

Philosophy prof Eugene Rice: Faculty governance best. Concerns: Chilling effect on discussions of Brown v. Board or ethics.

For Kansas academics eyeing stability, university jobs listings provide options.

Democratic Concerns and Governor Kelly's Position

Rep. Kirk Haskins: 'Gut punch,' litmus test. Reps. Mike Amyx, Barbara Ballard: Overreach, stay in lane. Kelly's budget boosts higher ed but signed 2025 DEI office eliminations—may sign or veto based on negotiations.

Kansas' DEI Timeline: From Hiring Bans to Classroom Scrutiny

2024: HB 2105 banned DEI in admissions/hiring. 2025: Eliminated DEI positions statewide. 2026: Targets curricula via budget. Builds on efficiency audits flagging DEI spending ($9M reported).

National Landscape: States Linking Funding to DEI Reforms

Kansas joins FL (SB 266: DEI ban, office closures), TX (SB 17: similar), UT, IA targeting gen ed DEI. Funding threats in 12+ states per trackers. Costs: $23M severances in FL/TX. Debates rage on free speech vs. indoctrination.

Photo by Nils Huenerfuerst on Unsplash

Implications, Challenges, and Paths Forward

Short-term: Curriculum audits, potential self-censorship. Long-term: Enrollment dips if perceived ideological? Faculty exodus? Solutions: KBOR negotiations, legal challenges on academic freedom. Positive: Efficiency gains, civics mandates proposed alongside.

Outlook: Senate tweaks, Kelly compromise. For stakeholders, monitor Kansas higher ed jobs. Explore rate my professor for insights; pursue higher ed jobs, career advice.