Gov. Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 1, also known as the "Enact Advance Ohio Higher Education Act," into law March 28, introducing significant reforms to Ohio’s public higher education system.
The law mandates the elimination of diversity, equity and inclusion programs, restricts universities from endorsing political or social positions and requires increased transparency in course offerings.
SB 1, which will take effect in 90 days, includes a strict compliance deadline. State-funded universities must adhere to the new regulations in this timeframe or risk losing access to Ohio’s $2 billion higher education budget, according to a previous report by The Post.
The bill also restricts DEI-related scholarships, requires students to complete a civics course focused on American history and governance and bans universities from accepting donations from China. Additionally, undergraduate programs with fewer than five graduates over a three-year period could be cut.
Ohio University President Lori Stewart Gonzalez addressed the new law in a campus-wide email March 26, noting the university had not yet implemented any changes, but it must now work toward compliance within the 90-day period.
“We realize this semester has already had more than its fair share of change, including new directives from various federal agencies, and the next several weeks are going to be even more challenging as we review, assess and navigate the potential impacts of this bill,” Gonzalez wrote. “Our commitment to you is that we will make every effort to protect and advance student success even as we make changes that may impact the experiences of individuals across our University community. “
Opposition to the bill has been strong, with students, faculty and advocacy groups warning it could jeopardize academic freedom, discourage faculty recruitment and reduce opportunities for underrepresented students. Critics argue removing DEI programs and restricting institutional speech will weaken Ohio’s universities and hinder efforts to foster inclusive learning environments.
As institutions work to meet the compliance deadline, legal experts are exploring potential constitutional challenges while opposition groups mobilize against the bill. The debate over the long-term impact of SB 1 on Ohio’s higher education system is just beginning.
