Ohio GOP Proposes Ban on DEI Programs, Faculty Strikes

Ohio Republican state Senator Jerry Cirino has reintroduced Senate Bill 1, which aims to significantly overhaul higher education by banning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and prohibiting labor strikes by faculty and staff. The proposal includes provisions to dissolve existing DEI offices, prevent mandatory DEI training, and impose performance reviews for faculty, including tenured professors. Cirino argues that DEI has led to 'institutionalized discrimination' and advocates for a more diverse range of viewpoints on campuses. Critics, including student protesters, express concern that eliminating DEI efforts will diminish safe spaces for marginalized students. The bill builds on a previous attempt, Senate Bill 83, which failed to pass last year, and is prioritized by current House leadership. A companion bill is expected to be introduced in the House soon, indicating a renewed focus on these controversial changes in Ohio higher education policy.