Ohio Senate passes bill banning DEI, restricting faculty rights

The Ohio Senate has passed Senate Bill 1, a controversial piece of legislation aimed at banning Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in public universities and curbing faculty rights, including striking. Sponsored by Republican Senator Jerry Cirino, the bill has sparked significant opposition from educators and students, with over 800 individuals submitting testimony against it during a lengthy committee hearing. Proponents argue that the bill will restore intellectual balance on campuses, asserting that DEI programs have led to discrimination against non-conforming viewpoints. Critics, including Democratic senators and student protesters, describe the bill as a regressive move that threatens academic freedom and undermines the inclusivity efforts in higher education. The legislation also mandates a three-hour civics course for students and imposes new performance reviews for faculty, claiming to promote a broader range of perspectives. As the bill moves to the Ohio House, its impact on the state's educational landscape remains a contentious topic.