Ohio University, like other public universities in Ohio, stands at a critical crossroads as Senate Bill 1 advances through the legislative process.
If passed, the bill would significantly alter how the university approaches diversity, equity and inclusion. Introduced Jan. 22, the bill mandates all state-funded universities, including OU, to eliminate DEI-focused programs and offices or risk losing their stake in the state's $2 billion for higher education and construction projects.
The bill specifically requires institutions to cease offering “any orientation or training course regarding diversity, equity and inclusion” and forbids the continuation of DEI offices or departments.
In addition to reshaping DEI programs, SB 1 also addresses public employees' rights in the event of a labor dispute, particularly when employees are prohibited from striking. In a joint statement from the Faculty Unions of Ohio’s Public Universities, chapter representatives including John O’Keefe, an OU associate professor of history, said the bill was “blatant government overreach and micromanagement of the university.”
“SB 1 would radically undermine the collective bargaining rights of faculty unions by restoring the faculty strike ban for full-time faculty members from the original version of SB 83 and prohibiting bargaining regarding faculty evaluations, tenure, and retrenchment (the process for reduction of force),” the union wrote. “This ban on collective bargaining, combined with an overly broad definition of retrenchment, would leave faculty without job security, and would leave academic freedom unprotected.”
The bill specifies that employees in law enforcement, emergency services and other critical roles, including faculty members at OU, must submit unresolved disputes to a “final offer settlement procedure.”
OU, as a state-funded institution, would also be prohibited from considering DEI criteria in hiring, admissions or scholarship decisions. Instead, the university would be expected to create a community that promotes “civil and free inquiry,” encouraging students to reach their own conclusions on controversial issues without institutional interference.
Mia Walsh, a senior studying journalism and women, gender and sexuality studies and president of Lavender Menace, a student organization for sapphic students, expressed deep concern about the impact of SB 1 on marginalized groups who rely on these resources.
“A lot of people that utilize these centers and resources every single day are the ones that are going to be hurt by this,” Walsh said. “So we should focus on the harm that is going to be done before we try to go forward because student safety should always come first.”
Walsh said she is particularly worried about what would happen to students who depend on DEI programs for support and a sense of belonging.
“If the university takes away these programs, they need to create other ones to provide a safety net for students who will fall through the cracks,” Walsh said.
Ky Sweet, a senior studying public health and a student leader for diversity and inclusion at OU, worries if the bill becomes law their position and key resources such as the Pride Center could be eliminated. Sweet said the bill is a “hindrance to professional success, social success and to our community as a whole.”
“I feel akin to betrayed by our state representatives and senators,” Sweet said. “This isn’t the most pressing issue right now. We need to recognize the social determinants that affect one's ability to even be presented with opportunities, financial or social background factors.”
Aiden Fox, a junior studying political science and political director for OU Republicans, said he views the bill as a necessary step toward ensuring intellectual diversity. Fox said he believes the university’s current DEI initiatives do not foster true intellectual diversity.
“I don’t think many of (the DEI initiatives) have a huge positive impact,” Fox said. “DEI academia does the same thing that affirmative action did — create specific quotas for racial and ethnic minorities without producing real intellectual diversity, which is what Senate Bill 1 seems to be trying to promote.”
Fox also said he feels DEI programs, such as scholarships and initiatives like the “Make Respect Visible” campaign, do not often deliver on their promises.
“I think (DEI scholarships) are just bloat for what could be normal scholarships,” Fox said.
At the time of publishing, OU declined to comment directly on SB 1. OU spokesperson Dan Pittman said, “We will continue to monitor this proposed bill as it evolves and progresses through the state’s established legislative process.”
As the bill moves forward, the university faces the potential for sweeping changes to its approach to diversity, equity and inclusion. While some students see the bill as an opportunity to foster true intellectual diversity, others fear it will dismantle critical resources for marginalized students and stifle important conversations about social justice.
