1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

HB 151, the so-called "Ohio Higher Education Enhancement Act", poses a grave threat to educational freedom in Ohio. This sweeping legislation would undermine the ability of colleges and universities to cultivate open and rigorous intellectual inquiry. It prohibits diversity, equity, and inclusion training programs that ensure all students can succeed regardless of their backgrounds. The bill whitewashes history by labeling discussions of race, identity, and systemic inequalities as "controversial beliefs and policies" to be avoided. Furthermore, HB 151 tramples on academic freedom by dictating course content, banning relationships with Chinese institutions, and restricting faculty's rights to collective bargaining and striking. It imposes onerous administrative mandates that divert funding away from academic programs toward bureaucratic compliance. This will hamper Ohio's ability to attract top students and faculty, ultimately making the state less economically competitive. Protecting educational freedom means rejecting HB 151's misguided attempts at regulating what can be taught and how. Open discourse, critical analysis of difficult topics, and the freedom to explore ideas without fear of repercussion are essential for quality higher education. HB 151 undermines these core principles and must be opposed to uphold honest, inclusive education in Ohio.