Ohio's Senate Bill 1 Ignites Debate Over Higher Education Reforms

In March 2025, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed into law Senate Bill 1, known as the Advance Ohio Higher Education Act, introducing sweeping reforms to the state's public colleges and universities. The legislation, effective June 27, 2025, has ignited a contentious debate over academic freedom, diversity initiatives, and the future of higher education in Ohio.

Senate Bill 1 enacts significant changes, including the prohibition of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, a ban on faculty strikes, mandated civics education, restrictions on institutional positions regarding controversial issues, and the elimination of low-enrollment programs. While proponents argue the law promotes intellectual diversity and political neutrality, opponents contend it undermines academic freedom and labor rights.

Background and Legislative Process

Introduced by State Senator Jerry C. Cirino (R-Kirtland) on January 22, 2025, S.B. 1 passed the Ohio Senate on February 12, 2025, and the House of Representatives on March 19, 2025. Governor DeWine signed it into law on March 28, 2025, with an effective date of June 27, 2025.

Key Provisions of S.B. 1

1. Ban on DEI Initiatives: Public colleges and universities are prohibited from funding or supporting DEI programs, including related scholarships and training.

2. Prohibition of Faculty Strikes: Faculty members at state institutions are barred from striking, with violations potentially leading to legal injunctions.

3. Mandated Civics Education: All undergraduate students are required to complete a three-hour civics course focused on American history and government.

4. Restrictions on Institutional Positions: Universities are prohibited from endorsing or opposing "controversial beliefs or policies," such as climate policies, electoral politics, and immigration policy.

5. Elimination of Low-Enrollment Programs: Degree programs awarding fewer than five degrees over a three-year period are subject to elimination.

Reactions and Implications

Supporters' Perspective: Proponents, including Senator Cirino, argue that the law promotes intellectual diversity and curbs ideological conformity, particularly in support of conservative voices on campus. Cirino stated, "My bill will return our public universities and colleges to their rightful mission of education rather than indoctrination."

Opponents' Perspective: Educators, students, and civil rights organizations have expressed significant opposition, arguing that the law undermines academic freedom and labor rights. Hundreds of students at Ohio State University testified against S.B. 1, with some promising to leave the state if it became law. Opponents submitted more than 830 written testimonies and over 200 in-person statements—well over 1,000 public comments against S.B. 1—with only a small fraction in support.

University Responses: In response to the bill's enactment, Ohio's public universities have shuttered DEI programming and adopted policies to ensure "nondiscrimination and intellectual diversity." This has sparked numerous university protests and a statewide effort to repeal the law.

Legal Challenges: A petition campaign to repeal the law failed to gather the required 250,000 signatures to qualify for the November ballot, allowing S.B. 1 to go into effect as scheduled.

Social and Societal Implications

The enactment of S.B. 1 has led to a polarized environment within Ohio's higher education institutions. Supporters view the law as a necessary step to ensure political neutrality and intellectual diversity on campuses. Opponents fear it may deter prospective students and faculty, particularly those from marginalized communities, from choosing Ohio institutions, potentially impacting the state's academic reputation and economic growth.

Conclusion

As Ohio's public colleges and universities navigate the implementation of Senate Bill 1, the broader implications for academic freedom, institutional autonomy, and the state's educational landscape remain subjects of intense debate and scrutiny.