Gov. DeWine signs bill banning DEI programs at Ohio colleges

OHIO — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed a controversial bill into law Friday that bans diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs at public colleges and prohibits faculty from going on strike.

The legislation, known as the “Enact Advance Ohio Higher Education Act,” passed the Ohio Senate by a 20-11 vote on Wednesday before reaching DeWine’s desk.

The bill’s sponsor, state Sen. Jerry Cirino, R-Kirtland, argues that it protects “intellectual diversity” and called DEI initiatives a “debacle” that discriminate against conservative viewpoints.

In addition to banning DEI programs and restricting faculty collective bargaining rights, the law requires Ohio college students to complete a three-hour civics course and mandates that schools remain neutral on “controversial” topics.

Institutions that fail to comply risk losing state funding.

The Ohio House passed the bill last week in a 58-34 vote, with a Senate concurrence vote needed due to an amendment before it was sent to DeWine for final approval.