Feb 13, 2025 Story by: Editor
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The Republican-led Ohio Senate passed a bill on Wednesday that would prohibit diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs at the state’s public colleges and universities. The legislation also seeks to remove certain faculty tenure and collective bargaining protections, despite opposition from more than 1,000 students, educators, and advocates.
Senate Bill 1 would require schools to pledge not to influence students on “controversial” topics, revoke voting rights for student trustees at Ohio State University, mandate a three-hour civics education course for all college students, and introduce several other administrative changes. Institutions found in violation of the proposed law could risk losing state funding.
The bill passed the Senate with a 21-11 vote, marking the second time the chamber has advanced similar legislation since 2023. It now moves to the Ohio House, where a previous version stalled. However, a change in House leadership could impact its fate this time.
Democratic senators strongly opposed the bill, with several Black lawmakers delivering passionate responses.
State Sen. Hearcel Craig, a Columbus Democrat, noted that white supremacist groups have marched in Columbus and Cincinnati in recent weeks. He said it is important at this historical moment that colleges and universities have the opportunity to tell “the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth” about Black history in this country.
He added that DEI programs benefit not only Black students, but veterans, women, those with disabilities and others.
“Every student who has benefited from DEI programs proved themselves to be more than capable and deserving of opportunities to attend universities,” he said. “They weren’t just handed an education; they worked for it.” Source: Las Vegas Sun
