Ohio Senate Bill 1, a proposal aimed at reshaping public universities, has passed in the state Senate and is now under consideration in the Ohio House. The bill seeks to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, prohibit faculty from striking, and implement increased state oversight over university curricula and faculty evaluations.
Supporters of the bill say these changes are necessary to ensure universities remain politically neutral and focused on academics. Lawmakers argue that removing DEI programs will create a more merit-based system, while changes to tenure and strike policies will promote accountability in higher education.
Opponents, however, argue that the bill could negatively impact academic freedom and limit open discussion in classrooms. Debbie Woodford, a founding member of Progress Mahoning Valley, believes the bill would have a chilling effect on higher education…