1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

This bill targeting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs and faculty rights at Ohio's public colleges and universities is a concerning overreach that could undermine efforts to create inclusive learning environments. The testimonies from over 1,000 students, educators and others highlight the value DEI initiatives provide in promoting understanding across different backgrounds and perspectives. Stripping faculty of tenure protections and collective bargaining rights threatens academic freedom and fair working conditions. While promoting intellectual diversity is important, this legislation goes too far by enabling individual complaints to jeopardize entire university funding over perceived controversies. This heavy-handed approach risks chilling open discourse and stifling the open exchange of ideas that should define higher education. Rather than restricting DEI efforts shown to benefit underrepresented groups, more resources should be directed toward fostering diversity and ensuring all students have equal opportunities to learn and thrive. I urge you to reconsider this misguided legislation