photo credit: Malak Chahboub
As a student in Ohio, the issue of Ohio Senate House Bill One (SB1) holds a lot of potential impact on my education and in my opinion, poses a threat to it.
SB1, also wrongfully called the “Advance Ohio Higher Education Act,” is an attack on student education, diversity and growth. It was signed into law on March 28– officially becoming effective on June 27. This is a devastation to our education system, since SB1 strips higher education of many vital aspects.
One of the main aspects of the bill establishes “DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) Elimination,” which is defined by eliminating institutional discrimination and indoctrination, via the removal of DEI programs, training and orientations. This eliminates many, very important, roles and positions within public universities such as The Ohio State University, cutting 16 staff positions after its Office of Diversity and Inclusion was forced to close its doors.
Even more staggering, is the loss of college programs and higher education opportunities in Ohio. The Cleveland reports that Ohio University “…intends to eliminate or merge 29 undergraduate degree programs,” following the announcement that University of Toledo “…plans to cut nine undergraduate programs due to the law.”
Not only does this infringe on academic independence from the government, it also denounces vital roles that create skilled workforces. Continually, while researching this bill, I have come across the same thought: hypocrisy, in two respects. One, ties back to the republican platform, which has often, if not always, run with the goal of increasing American job opportunities; however, the same platform is now cutting programs (more than just DEI) that not only eliminate vital roles but ample job opportunities for American people.
Secondly, I must condemn SB1’s elimination of DEI more specifically and its goal is to eliminate “institutional discrimination”; it is creating an environment where discrimination is nearly unchecked. Not only does the loss of DEI initiatives and workers also produce a loss of jobs, it also destroys a potentially safe and saving space for individuals in need of their services. I personally know many students who found safe, occasionally life saving spaces, amongst diversity focused groups and individuals.
This is a juxtaposition to another aspect of the bill, “Ensur[ing] that Ohioans’ opinions are safe from being silenced or marginalized and may receive due discussion, protecting all students and faculty, and encouraging an environment that welcomes diverse perspectives at Ohio higher education institutions.”
A bill full of hypocrisy and harmful initiatives has been enacted. If you also don’t stand for this detriment to our education system, there are various petitions that you can find. For example, Youngstown State University’s Chapter of the Ohio Education Association is petitioning for the State Senate to amend various sections of the bill. Action Network is also collecting signatures for the same statewide referendum on SB1.
It is vital to stay educated, especially as students, in situations when laws directly affect our education and futures. We need to let it be known that we don’t stand for this level of hypocrisy.
