Ohio Enacts Law Banning DEI, Faculty Strikes in Public Colleges

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has signed Senate Bill 1, which implements significant changes to higher education by banning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, prohibiting faculty strikes, and limiting discussions on controversial topics within public colleges and universities. The law requires universities to comply to avoid losing state funding, and tenured professors may face dismissal based on student evaluations. The bill has faced strong opposition from students, faculty, and civil rights organizations, who argue it undermines academic freedom and inclusivity, with some calling it a move to suppress conservative voices. Similar legislation has also passed in Kentucky, where critics warn it erodes academic tenure and could deter faculty recruitment. Advocates for the bills claim they promote 'intellectual diversity,' while opponents argue they threaten the core mission of higher education. The swift passage of these bills reflects a broader national trend among Republican-led states targeting DEI initiatives in educational institutions.