Latest news with #UofL
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
University of Louisville shuts down employee groups in response to Kentucky anti-diversity law
Students walk across the University of Louisville campus. (Kentucky Lantern photo by McKenna Horsley) The University of Louisville has disbanded the UofL Women's Network and four other employee groups in response to a new state law. A former president of one of the disbanded groups criticized the action, telling the Kentucky Lantern it goes further than required by the Republican legislature's new ban on diversity initiatives in public higher education. Ricky Jones, former president of the UofL Black Faculty/Staff Association and professor of Pan-African Studies, said the employee resource groups provided safe spaces for underrepresented people and allowed them to have 'a unified voice to speak to the administration about issues.' Jones criticized administrators at UofL and other universities for bowing to political pressure on decisions about diversity, equity and inclusion on campus. He predicted the assault on diversity in Kentucky higher education will 'get worse before it gets better.' 'Higher education in Kentucky, for Black folk in particular, and for other groups that are being targeted, I think it's a lost cause at this point, unless something drastic changes. And we don't have leadership at these schools that are committed to making those types of changes, so we're in trouble.' In addition to the groups for Black and women faculty and staff, UofL has eliminated the Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander Faculty and Staff Association; Hispanic Latino Faculty and Staff Association; and the LGBTQ+ Faculty and Staff Association. After a review, some university resource groups 'were deemed not to be' in compliance with the new law, said UofL spokesperson John Karman. 'Our Employee Success Center will continue to explore ways to support meaningful engagement and to ensure all UofL faculty and staff are valued and supported,' Karman added. Employee resource groups, or ERGs, were created to 'promote a climate of inclusion and provide a place where employees can come together to network, create a strong sense of community, and share their concerns,' according to a now-removed UofL web page description. Earlier this year, Kentucky's Republican-controlled General Assembly passed House Bill 4, which eliminates diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs and resources at all public universities and colleges within the commonwealth. The universities were directed to enact changes to meet the law's requirements by June 30, 2025. UofL and Kentucky's other public universities began reviewing policies in the spring shortly after the law was passed. Eastern Kentucky University adopted a viewpoint neutrality policy and a resolution saying EKU plans to comply with the law in May. Before the 2025 legislative session, the University of Kentucky and Northern Kentucky University disbanded their diversity offices amid scrutiny of DEI programs nationally. UofL President Gerry Bradley outlined how university administration reviewed programs and resources for compliance with the law in a June 27 email to campus. That included work groups reviewing areas of 'position analysis; policy analysis; admissions, financial aid and scholarships; and athletics.' The work group submitted recommendations to UofL's legal counsel and a Board of Trustees committee. The board considered policy changes during a June 26 meeting. Bradley wrote in his email that decisions to implement changes 'were difficult to make in the face of our work to build a culture of belonging — a culture that supports all, that is welcoming of all and reflects our community of care.' He acknowledged that people 'have felt hurt and abandoned during this process,' adding that he has 'heard your voices and understand the feelings expressed.' 'Let me assure you that I stand by my commitment to support and celebrate all of our community and meet their needs,' Bradley said. 'This matter will continue to spark important and necessary conversations about ideas of belonging, success, access to higher education and more. 'With this challenge comes an opportunity for all of us to remain committed to making the University of Louisville a place where we embrace differences and celebrate uniqueness. We will continue to do so with compassionate and steadfast resolve.' Jones, the UofL professor, said the university's actions speak louder than the president's words. He said the state's new anti-DEI law makes no mention of the kinds of employee groups that UofL ordered dismantled and said administrators chose to be 'more aggressive about anti-diversity moves' than the bill required. 'Either they agree with the uber-conservative legislators coming out of Frankfort who are doing real and meaningful harm to Black people, LGBTQ people and others' or 'they just don't care,' Jones said. 'I think it's just a feeling of hopelessness there right now,' he said. 'It's to the point now even those of us who have spoken out over the years, it's like, 'Speak out for what?' This is over.'
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Louisville baseball ties mark for best College World Series showing in program history
OMAHA, NE. — With an 11-3 loss to Coastal Carolina at the Men's College World Series on Wednesday, Louisville baseball tied its best postseason showing in program history. The Cardinals made their sixth trip to Omaha for the CWS this month. In five prior appearances, they had never won more than two games. Losing to Coastal Carolina ended Louisville's MCWS run with two victories, one over Arizona and another over Oregon State. Advertisement In 2013 and 2014, U of L went 0-2 in Omaha — first against Indiana and Oregon State then versus Vanderbilt and Texas. In 2007 and 2017, Louisville went 1-2. The Cards beat Mississippi State but fell to Rice and North Carolina on that first trip. In 2017, Louisville beat Texas A&M but lost to Florida and TCU. U of L's best showing prior to this season came in 2019 when it secured victories over Auburn and Mississippi State but got eliminated by eventual national champion Vanderbilt. Parity has been a big storyline in postseason baseball this year. Murray State, with a budget less than one-fourth of the size of its next-closest MCWS competitor, made it to Omaha for the first time in school history. No. 1 overall seed Vanderbilt and No. 2 seed Texas didn't survive the regional round. At U of L, the only player with previous NCAA Tournament experience was senior pitcher Brennyn Cutts, who transferred into the program this season from Indiana State. Advertisement Louisville missed three of the last four NCAA Tournaments before this year's miraculous MCWS run. Reach college sports enterprise reporter Payton Titus at ptitus@ and follow her on X @petitus25. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville baseball: Dan McDonnell's club ties mark for best CWS run
Hamilton Spectator
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
The Gasman cometh
A household name in Canadian comedy will be right here in Lethbridge next week for two very special events. Brent Butt, stand-up comedy icon and the visionary behind Corner Gas, the most successful sitcom in Canadian history, is making his first stop at the Yates Memorial Theatre this Sunday (May 25). He'll be performing alongside his good friend and fellow comedian, Charlie Demers, to raise awareness and funds for students facing food insecurity through the University of Lethbridge Food for Thought initiative. 'I was naively unaware that [food insecurity] was even an issue,' Butt told the Herald. 'Some people are just barely getting by in their education, and as someone who likes to eat, food security should be the last thing anybody has to worry about. It really does seem to me to be the sign of a population in decline when some people don't have food to eat. So, I was keen to participate in the show.' A small number of tickets are still available through the Arena website. The show starts at 7 p.m. on Sunday. Butt will also be walking the stage at the U of L spring convocation on May 30. The university chose him for an honorary Doctor of Laws in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Canadian culture over the last 35 years. 'Laughter is incredibly important in our lives, and I think we are realizing that more every day. Brent's devotion to his comedic craft, willingness to share with others in the comedy community and unwavering commitment to his rural roots and Canadian culture says a lot about the kind of person he is,' says Terry Whitehead, U of L chancellor. This will be Butt's first honourary degree. He joked that it's tremendously flattering, but he wouldn't be surprised if it were also his last. Butt says stand-up comedy has been his dream since he was 12-years old. Now looking back on his career, there are plenty of significant turning points that lead to where he is today. 'I really look at the first time I stepped on stage in a professional environment, at a club for strangers who had paid money to hear comedy. That was in February of 1988,' Butt recalled. 'Then the first time I performed at Just for Laughs about four years in. That's a milestone for any comedian, especially Canadian comedians at the time because it was our sole outlet to be seen by anybody outside the country. Then the opportunity to do Corner Gas. That was the big one; that was very life changing.' Butt created, wrote and starred in Corner Gas across the span of six seasons from 2004 to 2009. The show averaged 1.2 million viewers per episode and collected a number of awards. He now utilizes his well-earned platform to promote and mentor growing comedians and the comedy community as a whole. Butt will be giving a short speech during the graduation ceremony. He says he plans to use the time to offer a message of inspiration, not only to the new graduates, but their supporters, as well. 'You really should pursue what makes you happy,' he says. 'The notion of pursuing something for security reasons is kind of silly because you can never anticipate security. At least try and chase down something that you're passionate about, that you love doing, because – in a perfect world – you're going to be doing it for the rest of your life. 'Too many teachers, professors, parents, and people like that squash the dreams of other people. Don't be that person. Be there for guidance, be there for encouragement, but don't be a roadblock. You're not doing anybody any favours, despite how it might feel.' Moving forward, Butt says performing stand-up comedy will always be part of his life. He's also releasing his first comedy album this spring, writing a second novel and working on a new television script that he hopes to shop around to networks soon. However, it doesn't appear that his new title of Dr. Butt will be appearing in the credits. 'With the last name that I have, you always have to be careful. It definitely gives proctology vibes. I don't think that will ever be in my introduction.' Butt is joined by writer David Robertson, former U of L Chancellor Charlie Weaselhead, conductor Kirk Muspratt and local advocates Bernadine and Toby Boulet who will also be receiving honorary degrees from the U of L this year.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Yahoo
University of Louisville doctor faces child pornography charges, placed on leave
A University of Louisville doctor suspected of possessing and distributing child pornography faces 30 felony charges, according to court records. Bradford Lee Marsili, 35, was arrested in downtown Louisville and booked into Louisville Metro Corrections on May 9. Marsili was arraigned in Jefferson District Court on May 10. He pleaded not guilty to the charges. Judge Kristina Garvey set a cash bond of $75,000 and an order barring contact with minors. Court records show Louisville Metro Police received a tip about child pornography being distributed via electronic means between June 2024 and January 2025. After issuing a search warrant and seizing Marsili's cell phone, police alleged Marsili knowingly possessed 68 images depicting child pornography, 10 of which were allegedly shared on social media. UofL spokesperson John Karman said Marsili was immediately placed on leave after the university was notified of the charges. University officials are "fully cooperating" with law enforcement in regard to the matter, he said. Marsili's next hearing date is set for 9 a.m. May 19. More: 'It's never acceptable': UofL Health leader condemns violence after hospital altercation Reach reporter Leo Bertucci at lbertucci@ or @leober2chee on X, formerly known as Twitter This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: UofL doctor Bradford Lee Marsili faces child pornography charges
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump administration restores some visas for Kentucky international students and graduates
A statue of "Bowman" on the University of Kentucky campus honors Kentucky Wildcats. The sculpture is located near the Avenue of Champions opposite Memorial Coliseum. The Patterson Office Tower is in the background. (Kentucky Lantern photo by McKenna Horsley) Visas revoked by the Trump administration for international graduate students at the University of Kentucky and recent international graduates from the University of Louisville have been restored. University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto announced the reversal following the Trump administration's Friday decision to restore student visa registrations of foreign students that faced legal challenges. In a message to campus issued Friday afternoon, Capilouto said the visas revoked for a small number of international graduate students earlier this month had been restored. On April 4, Capilouto announced the Department of Homeland Security notified UK that the department was revoking some F-1 student visas. 'This week, we learned that this decision has been reversed for those students and their status has been restored,' Capilouto said Friday. 'University officials again immediately informed impacted students. Teams from across the university continue to monitor this important issue and any changes.' Capilouto said UK administration will continue to update students, faculty and staff about how federal policies will affect campus online. International students and graduates at other Kentucky universities — Murray State University, Campbellsville University and the University of Louisville — faced similar situations over the past couple of weeks. A spokesperson for UofL said visas for three recent international graduates have been restored Friday afternoon. Spokespeople for MSU and CU did not immediately return a request for comment Friday afternoon. Earlier this week, campus groups and local organizations rallied on MSU's campus to show support for international students there after a student's visa was revoked. Inside Higher Ed tracked that as of Friday, more than 1,800 international students and graduates across the country had their legal status changed by the U.S. State Department. Meanwhile, Capilouto addressed how changing federal policies at large under President Donald Trump are impacting higher education in a report to UK's board during a Friday meeting. In addition to the revocation of visas for international students, universities across the country are facing pressure to roll back diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies or risk losing federal funding. At the state level, Kentucky public universities are weighing how to implement a recent state law that seeks to eliminate DEI in higher education. In response to that, UK and UofL canceled graduation ceremonies for students in some minority groups. Capilouto said in his report UK took 'that action because we believe that's what is required' under the law. To the board, Capilouto said the administration will be 'seeking your guidance on how we can best' navigate this time' over the next few months. 'How do we comply with the law — and the directives we receive — from policymakers at both the federal state and levels … while, at the same time, working every day to support the people … our students … our staff … our faculty … who make our mission possible?' Capilouto said in his report.
