Ohio State University is facing legal scrutiny after a national education watchdog group asked the state attorney general to investigate a general education requirement related to diversity. The group, Parents Defending Education, submitted a letter on October 16 to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, urging his office to determine whether the university’s curriculum violates recently enacted state law.
The concern focuses on Ohio State’s requirement that all undergraduate students complete a course in “Race, Ethnicity, and Gender Diversity.” This mandate is part of a broader general education program introduced in 2022. However, Senate Bill 1—signed into law earlier this year and effective as of June 27—prohibits public colleges from requiring students to complete coursework rooted in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) frameworks without state approval.
The letter from Parents Defending Education alleges that the course requirement stands in “clear violation” of SB 1. The group has called on the attorney general to act swiftly, asserting that the university may be imposing ideological instruction on students under the guise of general education.
Ohio State officials have responded by asserting their compliance with the law. A university spokesperson confirmed that the administration is aware of the request and is cooperating with any legal inquiries.
Some education policy analysts note that the investigation could set a precedent for other public universities in states with similar legislation. As lawmakers across the country examine the role of DEI in academic settings, Ohio’s legal response may influence how broadly such laws are interpreted and enforced.
