On Friday, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed into law a sweeping higher education overhaul that will ban diversity initiatives, regulate classroom discussions, and prohibit faculty strikes, among other significant changes. The law, known as S.B. 1, will take effect in 90 days, as reported by Ohio Capital Journal.
S.B. 1 introduces strict regulations on classroom discussions, particularly on topics deemed “controversial beliefs,” including climate policies, electoral politics, foreign policy, diversity and inclusion programs, immigration policy, marriage, and abortion. Additionally, the law mandates post-tenure reviews, puts diversity scholarships at risk, and includes a retrenchment provision preventing unions from negotiating on tenure. It also shortens university board of trustees’ terms from nine years to six and requires students to complete an American history course, among other measures. The law applies exclusively to Ohio’s public universities, Ohio Capital Journal reported.
The bill moved swiftly through the Statehouse. State Sen. Jerry Cirino, R-Kirtland, introduced S.B. 1, which passed the Ohio Senate in February and the Ohio House in March. A similar bill introduced by Cirino in the previous General Assembly underwent multiple revisions but never reached the House floor and ultimately failed.
The legislation has faced strong opposition from college students and professors. Over 1,500 individuals have submitted testimony against it, and hundreds of students across the state have staged protests. Many students and faculty have warned that they would leave Ohio if the bill becomes law, as reported by Ohio Capital Journal.
Supporters of S.B. 1 argue that the law will promote academic transparency and accountability in public universities. However, critics fear it will stifle free expression, weaken faculty protections, and undermine diversity efforts. As the law prepares to take effect, its impact on Ohio’s higher education system remains a topic of heated debate.