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An Open Letter

To: Rep. Fischer, Gov. DeWine, Sen. Cutrona

From: A verified voter in Youngstown, OH

February 5

The proposed Senate Bill 1, while aiming to promote intellectual diversity and free speech on college campuses, goes too far in its sweeping ban on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Eliminating all DEI programs, staff, and funding will undermine efforts to create an inclusive educational environment that reflects and serves Ohio's diverse population. Moreover, prohibiting faculty from exercising their right to strike undermines academic freedom and shared governance principles vital to higher education. Post-tenure reviews and disclosure requirements for foreign donations raise concerns about academic independence and institutional autonomy. While promoting open inquiry is laudable, SB1 takes an overly heavy-handed approach that could impair Ohio's public universities from fulfilling their mission to provide a well-rounded education. I urge you to vote against this bill and instead work with stakeholders to find a more balanced solution that protects free expression while still allowing diversity efforts and respecting institutional rights. Higher education plays a critical role in developing an educated workforce and engaged citizens, so reforms in this area must be carefully considered.

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