The Kansas Board of Regents unanimously approved definitions for “DEI-CRT” to comply with a new state law that bars public colleges from requiring certain race-related coursework. The policy defines DEI-CRT as instruction that “intentionally establishes and promotes the preferential treatment” of groups based on race, color, gender, ethnicity, or national origin. “Critical race theory” content is defined as promoting acceptance of the view that racism is systemic rather than presenting it as “a subject of scholarly, historical, or legal study.” The board explicitly excluded broader discussions of race, racism, and civil rights history from the definition. University of Kansas Chancellor Douglas Girod said the board’s language may be ambiguous, particularly with the word “promotes.” Regent Peter Johnston argued the exclusions were “critical” to protecting instruction on difficult topics. Programs primarily focused on racial, ethnic, or gender studies may seek exemptions, and the policy is set to take effect in 2028-29. The decision arrives after Governor Laura Kelly signed the ban into law, and PEN America urged use of the line-item veto, warning of barriers to teaching race and gender topics.