Loychik Introduces Legislation to Prohibit DEI Learning at Higher Education Institutions

State Rep. Mike Loychik (R-Bazetta) will soon be introducing an amendment to House Bill 327 that seeks to not allow Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) learning outcomes that have been proposed to higher education institutions throughout Ohio. 

“While prohibiting divisive concepts is necessary, DEI learning outcomes is a method our higher education institutions are using to create a divide among our students based on race, color, religion, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic status, and intersectionality as operating by an individual or group,” said Loychik. “It’s important that this bill should seek to prohibit DEI learning so that all students have equal education opportunities – we should thrive to have an education that does not simply divide us more based on these many factors.”

Within House Bill 327, it prohibits school districts, schools, teachers, and state and local entities from promoting divisive concepts. Divisive concepts are clearly defined within the bill as training or requiring someone to believe that they are better or worse than another person based solely upon the external characteristics of “nationality, race, color, ethnicity, religion, or sex,” similarly described in the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Loychik’s amendment, if passed, also would include a State Share of Instruction (SSI) suspension penalty. SSI is the largest single line item for higher education as it supports Ohio’s 61 public colleges and universities.

House Bill 327 has over 30 cosponsors, including Loychik, and has had two committee hearings with over 30 proponents testifying on the bill.