COLUMBUS, Ohio — A controversial bill that seeks to ban diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs at public colleges and universities in Ohio has passed through the Republican-led Ohio Senate. The decision was met with significant opposition from over 1,000 students, educators, and advocates.
Senate Bill 1 mandates that educational institutions refrain from influencing student perspectives on “controversial” subjects, revokes voting rights for student trustees at Ohio State University, and requires all Ohio college students to complete a three-hour civics education course. The bill also lays out various programmatic and administrative changes, with institutions risking state funding loss if they fail to comply.
The Senate approved the bill with a 21-11 vote, marking its second passage since 2023. It now heads to the Ohio House, where similar proposals have been stalled previously. The political landscape in the House has shifted with the arrival of a new speaker.
GOP Senator Jerry Cirino, the bill’s sponsor, claims the legislation aims to promote “intellectual diversity” by encouraging the inclusion of conservative viewpoints within academic settings. Cirino argued that the current DEI landscape has led to institutional discrimination against those outside its prevailing ideology.
Democratic senators challenged the proponents of the bill, invoking the recent rise of white supremacist groups in Ohio. State Senator Hearcel Craig emphasized the importance of universities in conveying an accurate and comprehensive portrayal of Black history, stating that DEI initiatives are beneficial for minority students as well as veterans, women, and individuals with disabilities.
Senate Higher Education Chair Kristina Roegner contended that colleges should be environments where students can express their views without fear of retribution and explore issues from multiple angles. She asserted that a pervasive liberal bias in higher education necessitates the legislation.
Conversely, Democratic Senator Bill DeMora criticized the bill as “anti-union” and detrimental to free speech. He warned that the legislation could escalate political polarization by categorizing a wide range of topics as controversial, effectively allowing any individual to challenge faculty for unpopular viewpoints.
Ohio’s newly confirmed Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel, who has a background in higher education, noted that it is premature for him to adopt a stance on the bill. He acknowledged the value of diversity in academic settings, referencing initiatives he previously implemented to foster mutual understanding among students with diverse backgrounds.
