Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has signed Senate Bill 1 into law, introducing significant changes to the state’s higher education system. Among its provisions, the law mandates that public universities and colleges must remain neutral on “controversial beliefs or policies,” explicitly listing topics such as climate policies, electoral politics, foreign policy, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, immigration policy, marriage, and abortion.
The legislation defines “controversial beliefs or policies” as those subject to political controversy. By requiring institutions to neither endorse nor oppose these topics, the law aims to prevent perceived institutional bias and promote intellectual diversity on campuses.
In addition to restricting institutional positions on certain issues, Senate Bill 1 eliminates DEI programs within public higher education institutions. It also prohibits faculty strikes and introduces measures such as requiring instructors to post course syllabi online, listing speakers paid over $500, and mandating a three-credit-hour American civics literacy course for all bachelor’s degree students by 2030, which includes the study of capitalism.
Supporters of the law argue that it safeguards intellectual diversity and prevents the imposition of specific ideologies on students. State Senator Jerry Cirino, the bill’s sponsor, stated that the legislation is “monumentally significant” and will usher in “a renaissance of academic excellence.”
Critics, however, contend that the law may suppress academic freedom and hinder open discussions on important societal issues. House Minority Leader Allison Russo expressed concern that the legislation could lead to “state-sponsored censorship and discrimination,” potentially damaging Ohio’s higher education system and economy.
The law will take effect 90 days after the governor’s signature. As Ohio’s public universities and colleges prepare to implement these changes, debates continue regarding the balance between promoting intellectual diversity and preserving academic freedom.
