Sweeping New Ohio Higher Ed Law Bans DEI, Faculty Strikes, and Restricts Classroom Speech
COLUMBUS, OH — June 23, 2025 A controversial new Ohio law targeting public higher education institutions takes effect this week, ushering in sweeping restrictions on diversity initiatives, faculty labor rights, and academic freedom. The “Advance Ohio Higher Education Act” (Senate Bill 1), signed by Governor Mike DeWine in March, becomes law on June 27, 2025.
The legislation eliminates all diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices, programs, scholarships, and trainings at public colleges and universities. Institutions that fail to comply risk losing state funding. It also outlaws faculty and staff strikes, making labor action at state institutions illegal.
Classroom content is another focal point. The law mandates that institutions remain neutral on “controversial” topics such as abortion, climate change, and immigration. Faculty are explicitly barred from promoting specific ideological viewpoints. The law also introduces a civics requirement, mandating all bachelor’s degree students complete a three-credit civic literacy course. Schools must publicly post course syllabi and disclose compensation for any speakers paid over $500.
Passed on party lines in both the House and Senate, the law has sparked significant backlash. Over 1,500 opponents submitted testimony during legislative hearings, and student and faculty protests have erupted on campuses statewide. Critics, including civil rights organizations, higher education faculty groups, and the ACLU, argue the law threatens academic freedom and will harm Ohio’s ability to recruit and retain talent.
Supporters of the bill, led by State Senator Jerry Cirino, say the law is necessary to ensure ideological balance and transparency in public education. Legal challenges and a potential voter referendum are expected.