Republicans Handcuff Universities, Aim to Censor College Experience

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Mark Sigrist (D-Grove City) Wednesday responded to the House passage of Senate Bill (SB) 1, the Higher Education Destruction Act: 

“The outcome of this vote deeply disappoints me—not just for my district, but for the entire state. America has a long history of those in power feeling uneasy about people of color, women, individuals with disabilities, and others from historically marginalized communities. What’s new is the way they’ve distorted the concept of diversity, equity, and inclusion to justify their discomfort.

It’s troubling that DEI has been turned into a tool of division by those who feel threatened by the growing racial diversity in America’s leadership, the achievements of women in corporate and public roles, the presence of people with disabilities in workplaces and society, and the increasing visibility of LGBTQ+ individuals and their families. To them, these realities represent an existential crisis.

SB 1 enforces state censorship by dictating what faculty and students can teach or discuss, threatening free speech and academic freedom. It risks turning classrooms into vehicles for the ideology of the bill’s sponsors. Instead of suppressing dialogue, we should foster an open exchange of ideas.

The bill targets “controversial beliefs or policies,” including topics such as climate change, politics, DEI programs, immigration, and abortion. How can colleges function without addressing these crucial issues?

By driving talented faculty and students to more welcoming states, SB 1 will harm institutional quality, reduce graduation rates, and weaken Ohio's workforce. The ban on DEI programs, scholarships, and offices disproportionately impacts first-generation students, women in STEM, underrepresented groups, individuals with disabilities, and veterans.

Additionally, SB 1 undermines faculty union rights by banning strikes and restricting collective bargaining on key issues. This bill jeopardizes Ohio’s educational excellence, weakens faculty, and grants lawmakers’ undue control over what is deemed factual or acceptable.

It’s with deep disappointment, such an overreaching legislation along partisan lines was passed today,” said Rep. Sigrist.

In trying to solve problems that do not exist, SB 1 creates new issues that will increase costs, stifle growth, and prevent Ohio’s young adults from reaching their full potential.