1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

I am writing to express my strong opposition to Ohio Senate Bill 1, recently passed by the Senate and currently under consideration in the House. As a dedicated counselor and counselor educator in Ohio, I am deeply concerned about the detrimental impact this legislation could have on our higher education system and, by extension, on the well-being of our students and communities.​ Senate Bill 1 proposes several significant changes to the operation of state institutions of higher education in Ohio, including the elimination of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, restrictions on faculty strikes, and increased state oversight of university curricula .​ AP News +4 Home +4 The Columbus Dispatch +4 The outright ban on DEI initiatives is particularly troubling. These programs play a crucial role in fostering inclusive environments where all students, regardless of their background, can thrive. Eliminating DEI efforts could lead to the marginalization of underrepresented groups, thereby hindering the creation of a diverse and enriching educational experience.​ Senate Furthermore, the bill's provisions to restrict faculty strikes and limit collective bargaining rights undermine the ability of educators to advocate for fair working conditions and quality education standards. Such measures could result in a demoralized faculty, negatively affecting student learning outcomes.​ As a counselor educator, I am particularly concerned about the potential impact on mental health services within our institutions. Counselors rely on DEI training to effectively support students from diverse backgrounds. The removal of these programs could impair our ability to provide culturally competent care, thereby exacerbating mental health disparities among the student population.​ In light of these concerns, I urge you to reconsider the provisions outlined in Senate Bill 1. It is imperative that we uphold the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, protect the rights of our educators, and ensure that our higher education institutions remain spaces where all students can succeed.​ Thank you for considering my perspective on this critical issue.