LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Bans on programs relating to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) from the federal government and Kentucky lawmakers led to the cancellation of specific graduation events honoring minority groups. These events were typically held by their colleges and universities.

However, the Louisville community stepped in to fill the gap.

Class of 2025 graduating seniors from the University of Louisville, Bellarmine University, Simmons College of Kentucky, and Spalding University attended a special ceremony at St. Stephen’s Baptist Church off South 15th Street. 

‘Ascension: A Citywide Celebration of Black Higher Education Graduates’ was put together by organizers two and a half weeks after hearing UofL and Bellarmine University canceled their Black graduation ceremonies. 

“Political forces in the state say that they’re no longer acceptable, that they’re divisive, exclusive, even racist,” organizer and UofL faculty member, Dr. Ricky L. Jones said.

Jones is referencing the controversial House Bill 4, which called for the dissolution of diversity, equity and inclusion programming in public universities. Since the law was passed, universities cut DEI policies and offices to meet the June 30 deadline outlined in the bill.

HB 4’s sister bill in the Senate attempted to take similar action in public K-12 schools but wasn’t passed.

“I was disappointed. It was heartbreaking,” UofL graduate Stephanie Anderson said. “Our president made a bad decision.” 

Anderson will receive her Bachelor of Science and Organizational Leadership in Learning with a track of Early Childhood. The change hasn’t overshadowed Anderson’s excitement; she’s still proud of her accomplishment.

“I’m 58-years-old and I wanted to show my grandchildren that I could have an education,” Anderson said. “This means the world to me and I feel that with this education is going to take me farther in life.”

According to Jones, Bellarmine University has reinstated their Black graduation ceremony. 

WHAS11 contacted House Republican Whip, Representative Jason Nemes of Middletown about the event.

“I support their right to do whatever they want as long as it is a private matter,” Nemes said.