During a recent meeting of the Kentucky General Assembly’s Interim Joint Committee on Education, State Representative Sarah Stalker (D) expressed her views on racial identity and privilege. Stalker, identifying as a white woman, stated that she feels discomfort regarding the privileges associated with her race, noting that this privilege allows her to navigate the world differently than many of her colleagues and community members. She emphasized that discussions about racial privilege should be encouraged among students, arguing that suppressing these conversations hinders valuable dialogue about the impact of skin color on life experiences.

Stalker clarified that the intent of DEI efforts is not to induce guilt among white individuals but to foster equitable opportunities for minorities, contrasting equity with traditional notions of equality. Her remarks come in response to a proposed bill by Republican state Senator Lindsey Tichenor, which seeks to eliminate DEI programs in public schools. Stalker described the removal of DEI initiatives as an attempt to 'whitewash' educational content, a characterization she finds concerning. This debate reflects ongoing tensions regarding the role of DEI in education, particularly in light of previous federal actions, such as an executive order from former President Donald Trump aimed at terminating federal DEI programs.