Ohio lawmakers have sent a measure nixing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at the Buckeye State’s colleges and universities to Republican Gov. Mike DeWine’s desk.
Senate Bill 1, the Enact Advance Ohio Higher Education Act, would require state higher education institutions to bar DEI orientation and training courses unless the institution submits a written request for an exception. It follows Senate Bill 83 from the last legislative session, which the Ohio Senate passed but the Ohio House did not.
“Ohio took a major step towards improving higher education in Ohio with the adoption of the policies in Ohio Senate Bill 1, and Senator Jerry Cirino deserves a round of applause for his tireless efforts and leadership on these critical reforms,” Greg R. Lawson, a research fellow at The Buckeye Institute, said in a statement. “If enacted, the reforms in Senate Bill 1 will better position Ohio’s public universities to teach students and equip them for success after graduation.”
Lawson previously said the bill reinforces support for the First Amendment by changing university mission statements to reiterate a commitment to free and open intellectual inquiry, independent thought, and viewpoint diversity. DeWine is expected to sign the measure.
The push comes amid a growing backlash against DEI initiatives nationally.
“Ohio universities and colleges, spending over $100 million of [our] taxpayer monies in the last year on DEI staff, training and other resources, are not thinking about what’s best for the preparation of college students for the Ohio workforce, but have intentionally pursued an agenda that wastes time, resources, and our tax dollars,” Monty Lobb, executive director of the Christian Business Partnership, a division of the Center for Christian Virtue, said in prepared testimony to the House Workforce and Higher Education last week.
“In a day and age when Ohio’s economy ranks 35th in economic performance and 20th in economic outlook according to the American Legislative Exchange Council and Laffer State Economic Competitiveness Index, even though we are the seventh largest state by population, should be a clear signal to all that something is wrong,” Lobb added. “As this Body takes serious the charge to steward public monies and confidence thereby gaining the trust of Ohioans, legislation that promotes student development into workforce development, effectively reduces wasteful spending, and holds governmental institutions accountable for compliance is always a welcomed relief.”
However, the measure has drawn fierce opposition from many education groups and college and university professors, with dozens submitting testimony opposing the legislation.
In prepared testimony to the House Workforce and Higher Education, American Historical Association Executive Director James Grossman raised a “strong concern” about the legislation, saying that the measure defines “intellectual diversity” in a way that “undercuts the free exchange of ideas.”
“The AHA applauds many of the bill’s stated goals: free inquiry, true intellectual diversity, and vigorous debate,” Grossman said. Classrooms are and must remain spaces where students can experiment with ideas—new and old—while learning to value curiosity, analytical thinking, and academic integrity.
“We have grave doubts, however, about the utility of SB 1’s heavy-handed interventions in both history education and university administration,” Grossman added.
In presenting the legislation to the Ohio House Workforce and Higher Education Committee, state Sen. Jerry C. Cirino, R-Kirtland, said the measure is about eliminating “institutional discrimination” through DEI programs.
There is “no good evidence that DEI actually improves race relations, and there’s considerable evidence that it makes them worse,” George Dent, a professor of law emeritus at Case Western Reserve Law School, said in prepared testimony. “That’s hardly surprising. America is the least racist major country in the world, but DEI insists that America is systemically racist and dominated by white supremacy and white privilege. This doctrine only increases racial tensions.
“If any beneficial work is being done by the DEI bureaucracies, it can be easily transferred to other offices,” Dent added. “DEI should end.”
