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HB 2428

Requiring the state board of regents to establish curricula and designate courses at postsecondary educational institutions relating to DEI-CRT-related courses and content and requiring the study of American institutions and certain programs at freshman orientations concerning free speech.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Susan Humphries and 2 co-sponsors

Kansas bill mandates postsecondary institutions teach designated DEI-CRT courses alongside free speech and American institutions content in freshman orientation.

Died in Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 2428

Legislative bill overview

HB 2428 directs Kansas's State Board of Regents to establish curricula and courses at public postsecondary institutions that address DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) and CRT (Critical Race Theory)-related content, while simultaneously requiring freshman orientation programs to include instruction on American institutions and free speech principles. The bill effectively mandates both the creation and regulation of courses touching on these contested educational frameworks.

Why is this important

This bill sits at the intersection of two major contemporary education policy debates: whether universities should teach DEI/CRT frameworks and how institutions should address free speech issues on campus. The outcome will influence what Kansas students are required to learn about diversity, American history, and civil liberties, while also potentially affecting how universities design their foundational curricula and orientation programs.

Potential points of contention

  • Defining DEI-CRT content: The bill doesn't clearly define what constitutes "DEI-CRT-related" material, creating ambiguity about which courses must be designated and potentially affecting academic freedom in disciplines like history, sociology, and literature
  • Mandatory curriculum tensions: Requiring both DEI courses and free speech/American institutions emphasis may create pedagogical conflicts if institutions view these frameworks as contradictory or competing priorities
  • Implementation costs and autonomy: Mandating specific curricula at multiple institutions requires resources and may limit institutional flexibility in designing courses responsive to their particular student populations and educational missions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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