Ohio Enacts Transformative Higher Education Law Amid Controversy

Ohio's public higher education landscape is undergoing significant transformation following the enactment of the Advance Ohio Higher Education Act, also known as Senate Bill 1 (S.B. 1). Signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine on March 28, 2025, the legislation took effect on June 27, 2025, introducing a series of reforms aimed at reshaping the operations and policies of state institutions.

Introduced by State Senator Jerry Cirino on January 17, 2025, S.B. 1 progressed through the Ohio Legislature, receiving approval from both chambers before reaching the governor's desk. The Act encompasses several key provisions:

• Elimination of DEI Programs: The law prohibits diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices, programs, scholarships, and training at public colleges and universities. Institutions are required to disband existing DEI offices and cease related activities.

• Ban on Faculty Strikes: Faculty and staff at state institutions are prohibited from engaging in strikes, aiming to prevent disruptions in the academic calendar and ensure continuous educational services.

• Classroom Content Restrictions: The legislation mandates institutional neutrality on controversial topics, barring faculty from promoting specific ideological viewpoints.

• Civics Education Requirement: All Ohio college students are required to complete a three-hour civics education course designed to enhance understanding of American history and government.

• Transparency Measures: Universities must publish course syllabi and faculty details online by 2026, disclose high-paid speakers, and report student academic data disaggregated by race and sex. Non-compliance with these provisions may result in the loss of state funding.

In response to the Act, Ohio's public universities have initiated steps to comply with the new requirements. The University of Toledo, for instance, adopted a new Intellectual Diversity and Controversial Beliefs policy and restructured several campus offices to align with the legislation. Interim President Matt Schroeder emphasized the institution's commitment to upholding laws while fostering a supportive learning environment.

Similarly, Wright State University approved a Statement of Commitment and began implementing changes to adhere to the Act's mandates. The university has been proactive in updating policies and practices to align with the new law.

The Advance Ohio Higher Education Act has sparked significant debate and opposition from educators, students, and civil rights groups. Critics argue that the elimination of DEI programs and the prohibition of faculty strikes infringe upon academic freedom and labor rights. Efforts to repeal the law through a petition drive failed to gather the necessary signatures, allowing the legislation to take effect as scheduled.

Ohio's legislative actions are part of a broader national movement where conservative efforts to reshape higher education are gaining momentum. States like Indiana, Florida, Texas, Iowa, and Idaho have implemented similar measures targeting university governance, faculty tenure, DEI programs, and academic curricula. These efforts reflect a growing trend of increasing state control over public universities to address concerns about ideological biases and to promote institutional neutrality.

The Advance Ohio Higher Education Act represents a significant shift in the governance and operation of public higher education institutions in Ohio, with wide-ranging implications for academic freedom, institutional policies, and the broader societal discourse on education and ideology.