“You Can’t Take It Out”: Kansas State Education Adviser Admits DEI Flying Under the Radar of Lawmakers
March 11, 2026
An administrator at Kansas State University was recorded on hidden camera stating that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs are still fully operational at the university, despite state and federal laws banning DEI in the state’s public universities.
Lindsey Thyer, an Academic Advisor in the College of Education, spoke with an Accuracy in Media undercover journalist posing as a prospective student. When asked whether DEI would be part of the curriculum, Thyer responded that it would, explaining that although programs may be renamed, the underlying content has not been affected.
“I’ve learned that the philosophy here is, like, while they are saying they are going to take it away — like, changing the name of things — they’re still doing it,” Thyer said in the recording.
Thyer also expressed her personal view on the topic, stating, “You can’t take it out. That’s not quality teaching.”
She referenced a course focused on diverse learners and indicated uncertainty about whether legislative action could affect its future. She also commented on discussions occurring in other academic departments, saying she found it “refreshing” that a student studying world politics was learning about “the worst presidency ever.”
When approached by Accuracy in Media President Adam Guillette in her office later, Thyer confirmed she appeared in the video but declined further comment. She was given multiple opportunities to give context to her recorded comments, including whether taxpayers should be expected to fund universities that defied the law, but she repeatedly declined to do so.
Visit DEIinKansas.com today and send a message to every Kansas State official and the Attorney General: taxpayer dollars must not fund programs that defy state and federal law.