1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

Senate Bill 1 represents an alarming attack on academic freedom and the integrity of Ohio's public universities. This draconian legislation seeks to gut tenure protections, undermine faculty autonomy, and reshape higher education institutions to align with an ideological agenda. It threatens to erode the principles of free inquiry, open discourse, and intellectual independence that are vital to the pursuit of knowledge and progress. As citizens committed to preserving the sanctity of our educational system, we cannot stand idly by as this bill jeopardizes the very foundations of academic excellence. Tenure safeguards free speech and shields scholars from retaliation for exploring controversial or unpopular ideas. Dismantling these protections will stifle critical thinking, self-censorship, and the free exchange of perspectives that should characterize a vibrant intellectual community. Moreover, the proposed measures to exert political influence over curriculum development, faculty hiring, and university governance raise grave concerns about the erosion of institutional autonomy. Our public universities should be bastions of independent thought, not beholden to partisan agendas or external ideological pressures. We implore you to reject Senate Bill 1 and uphold the principles that have made Ohio's higher education system a source of pride and a driver of innovation. Protect academic freedom, preserve tenure, and defend the integrity of our public universities against this misguided and harmful legislation.