Understanding Ohio’s New Higher Education Law: What It Means for Diversity and Faculty Rights

Ohio has recently passed a controversial new law affecting its higher education system, with significant implications for diversity initiatives and faculty labor actions. This legislation, taking effect this week, is a major shift in how public colleges and universities in the state can operate. In this post, we’ll break down the key aspects of the law, explore its potential impacts, and provide resources for you to learn more.

What Is the New Ohio Higher Education Law?

Signed into law in July 2024, the measure—also known as Senate Bill 83—imposes tough restrictions on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) activities and prohibits faculty from striking. It was signed by Governor Mike DeWine as part of a broader effort to reshape higher education policy across the state.

The essence of the new law can be summarized in two central points:

1. Diversity Initiatives Banned: Most ongoing and future DEI programs, training sessions, and office activities are no longer permitted at state-funded institutions.
2. Faculty Strikes Prohibited: Faculty at Ohio’s public colleges and universities are now legally barred from striking as a method of protest or negotiation.

According to News 5 Cleveland, the law also enacts changes in curriculum requirements and oversight of “controversial” classroom topics.

Major Changes for Ohio’s Colleges and Universities

Let’s delve into what these changes actually look like on the ground:

• DEI Restrictions: All state public institutions must eliminate mandatory diversity training. Hiring and admissions practices cannot require statements or considerations related to DEI. Any office or role whose primary function is to oversee DEI is at risk of being eliminated.
• Curriculum Oversight: The law mandates that institutions teach “intellectual diversity” and prohibit the promotion or requiring of any “political or ideological beliefs.” Professors need to ensure that syllabi present “contrasting viewpoints.”
• Labor Rights Changes: Faculty are now unable to engage in strikes as a negotiation tactic—an action that, while rare, has led to significant campus disruptions in other states.

Why Did Lawmakers Support the Change?

Supporters, including many Republican lawmakers, argue that DEI requirements amount to “political indoctrination,” and that the law will ensure academic freedom by preventing what they see as the forced adoption of particular viewpoints. Senator Jerry Cirino, a Republican sponsor of the bill, stated that the law protects students from ideological bias and safeguards instruction from political pressure.

They also claim that preventing faculty strikes will keep students on track, minimizing disruptions to education that can result from lengthy labor disputes.

Concerns from Opponents

However, many educators, students, and civil rights advocates have voiced strong opposition to the law:

• Impact on Diversity: Critics argue that gutting DEI offices and banning diversity training sends a message of exclusion to minority students and faculty. Groups such as the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) have called these moves “harmful and regressive.”
• Academic Freedom Threatened: Some worry that heavy-handed curriculum regulation stifles open inquiry and free discussion in the classroom. Inside Higher Ed offers an in-depth look at academic freedom concerns raised by faculty.
• Faculty Labor Rights: Labor unions argue that stripping strike rights will weaken their ability to negotiate for better pay, protections, and conditions.

Comparisons to Other States

Legislation targeting DEI programs and academic freedom isn’t unique to Ohio. In recent years, states like Florida and Texas have introduced or passed similar bills, part of a growing nationwide trend. However, Ohio’s combination of DEI restrictions and the outright ban on faculty strikes makes it one of the most far-reaching efforts yet.

What Happens Next?

The practical consequences of this law will unfold over the coming school year. Institutions are already scrambling to review hiring practices, revise orientations, and adjust curriculums to comply with state directives.

Lawsuits are expected, as advocacy groups consider challenges based on First Amendment rights and workplace protections. If you’re interested in following court action or activist responses, ACLU of Ohio maintains updates on litigation and civil rights efforts around new state laws.

How Will This Affect Students and Faculty?

• Students: New and current students may find fewer campus resources and events related to diversity and inclusion. Expect to see changes in freshman orientation and club offerings.
• Faculty & Staff: Without legal protection to strike, labor negotiations may take on a new, less confrontational tone. Some faculty members may relocate to other states or schools where academic freedoms are less restricted.

If you are planning to attend, teach at, or work for an Ohio public college or university, it’s important to stay up to date on these developments. Institutional websites often publish compliance updates. For broader context on educational trends, this Education Dive article breaks down the state-by-state policy shifts.

Final Thoughts

Ohio’s new law is a clear sign of the rapidly changing landscape in American higher education. Whether you support or oppose these changes, understanding the details helps everyone be a more informed member of the academic community.

If you have strong feelings on the subject, consider reaching out to your local representatives, getting involved in campus discussions, or reading further with trusted resources. As always, change brings challenges—and opportunities for dialogue, learning, and action.

For more news and continuing coverage of this and other major Ohio stories, visit the News 5 Cleveland homepage.