Ohio lawmakers send anti-DEI measure to governor

Ohio lawmakers have sent a bill to Gov. Mike DeWine to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at state colleges and universities.

Senate Bill 1, the Enact Advance Ohio Higher Education Act, requires state higher education institutions to prohibit DEI orientation and training courses unless they request an exception in writing. This follows Senate Bill 83 from the last session, which passed the Ohio Senate but not the House.

The push comes amid a national backlash against DEI initiatives. However, many education groups and college professors have strongly opposed the measure, submitting numerous testimonies against it.