Kentucky State students file state lawsuit against law ushering in polytechnic mission

A group of Kentucky State University (KSU) students, alumni, and prospective students filed a state lawsuit in Franklin County Circuit Court last week, challenging Senate Bill 185 (SB 185), which redefines KSU as a polytechnic institution. The plaintiffs argue the law violates the Kentucky Constitution and risks disrupting their academic programs, particularly at the state’s only public historically Black university (HBCU) and 1890 land-grant institution. The lawsuit, filed anonymously, names Governor Andy Beshear, the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, and KSU’s Board of Regents as defendants and is assigned to Judge Thomas Wingate. SB 185, signed by Beshear on April 13, passed with bipartisan support and aims to restructure KSU’s academic offerings to prioritize science and technology education. The university’s Board of Regents must recommend which programs to close or alter by June 1 to meet the new focus. Students claim the law could harm KSU’s unique mission, including federally recognized commitments to expand rather than narrow its programs, funding, and student opportunities. The complaint also questions whether legislative procedures, such as required Senate readings, were properly followed before the bill became law. This lawsuit follows a federal lawsuit filed earlier this month by KSU students, alumni, and prospective students, also challenging SB 185. The bill was fast-tracked through the General Assembly to prevent the closure of KSU, which faces financial and operational challenges. In a statement, KSU said it cannot comment on the lawsuit’s specifics but will comply with applicable laws while fulfilling its mission of academic quality, public service, and graduate preparation. The lawsuit highlights KSU’s 140th anniversary, marking its founding in 1886 and over a century of service as Kentucky’s sole public HBCU. Students allege irreparable harm to the university’s land-grant activities, faculty capacity, and student opportunities due to the bill’s implementation. Attorneys from Morris and Morris of Lexington represent the plaintiffs, while KSU remains focused on collaboration with state and federal partners to address the changes.