Photo of the Ohio Statehouse
The state legislature has recently introduced a new piece of legislation that would fundamentally change diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in state institutions of higher education in Ohio. Senate Bill 83, dubbed the Ohio Higher Education Enhancement Act, has been sponsored by Jerry Cirino (R-OH) and presented to the Ohio Senate. The 39-page document, as introduced, is continuing through the Senate committees.
Read it here: Senator’s Cirino opinion piece, “Ignore ‘hysteria.’ Freedoms attack on Ohio campuses. My bill will protect them” in the Columbus Dispatch
Under the bill, colleges and universities would have to guarantee they won’t take a stance on any “controversial belief or policy.” The term “controversial belief or policy” referenced in the document is a blanket statement for any policy or belief that is subject to dispute such as climate change, politics, foreign or immigration policy, marriage, or abortion. The bill also states that classrooms must ensure “intellectual diversity” and that the staff shall not promote a specific point of view to their students.
Regarding DEI initiatives, the bill would prohibit institutions from establishing diversity statements or any mandatory training or programs regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Ohio institutions would have to create a written evaluation system for faculty members to be completed by students. The evaluations would focus on the faculty member’s creation of a classroom atmosphere free of bias. The numerical score from the student evaluations would have to be annually published on the institution’s public website.
The act also has specific requirements regarding institutions’ partnerships with China. Senate Bill 83 would prohibit colleges and universities from accepting funds directly from China or from any organizations or individuals– including students and their family members– who may be acting on behalf of China. Several Ohio public institutions currently have relationships with Chinese institutions.
Senate Bill 83 does not apply to Ohio’s private and independent colleges. However, a clause within the bill states that private institutions are eligible to receive state funds for institutional purposes as long as the school submits a statement to the chancellor of higher education agreeing to the specific provisions against DEI initiatives and ideological litmus tests.
The proposed legislation details that the institution’s staff and faculty members cannot be trained into believing that “an individual, by virtue of his or her race or sex, is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously” or that “meritocracy or traits such as hard work ethic are racist or sexist”. Under these terms, the bill would limit participation in deeper conversations that allow students or staff members to understand their own privileges or differences from others. There would be a lack of self-reflection and diverse perspectives in the classrooms.
Overall, an absence of DEI initiatives in Ohio colleges and universities would result in a lack of diversity, due to the limited representation of different perspectives and ideas. Furthermore, marginalized groups may be excluded from opportunities for growth and progress, which could further contribute to inequality.
Moreover, institutions that don’t prioritize DEI initiatives may form an untrustworthy reputation, which may impact their attraction of students and faculty.
Want to learn more? Watch the recent Cleveland City Club discussion