Toxic bill a danger to Ohio’s economy, universities
Senate Bill 83 has received backlash from university students, university faculty, and the ACLU of Ohio since its introduction in March of 2023.
The dangerous bill was re-referred to the Ohio House Rules and Reference Committee in January. Although it has eliminated a few problematic provisions (such as a prohibition on striking), SB 83 still poses a threat to academic rigor, free speech, and inquiry in Ohio public universities.
To maintain the integrity of Ohio’s universities, the Ohio House must reject Substitute Senate Bill 83.
The current version of SB 83 seeks to implement the following changes to higher education institutions in the state:
● Ban most mandatory diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) trainings
● Prohibit the mentioning of “unconscious bias” that may lead to structural racism and sexism; require “intellectual diversity” (or the teaching of all perspectives on issues like slavery)
● Allow students to “reach their own conclusions” regarding “controversial beliefs or policies.” “Controversial” topics include DEI programs, abortion, immigration, electoral politics, and climate change.
As a graduate student studying public policy at Ohio State University, I am greatly concerned with the future of the university’s academic programs that require the understanding of “controversial beliefs and policies” as outlined in SB 83.
One of the most concerning aspects of the bill is language regarding issues of race.
SB 83 seeks to prohibit the discussion of “fault, blame, or bias because of their race” and “meritocracy or traits such as hard work ethic are racist or were created by members of a particular race to oppress members of another race.”
This language prohibits instructors from discussing important concepts such as structural racism, systemic racism, and systemic racial inequality in the classroom.
The censorship of such topics from course content is extremely harmful to students of color as it prevents them from discussing the ways in which systemic injustices impact their daily lives.
Although proponents of SB 83 claim that the bill “supports intellectual diversity” in universities, the bill places a gag order on many political and social concepts that contribute to our understanding of contemporary American society.
If passed, SB 83 would produce negative consequences for Ohio’s universities, students, faculty, and economy.
Since 2012, Ohio universities have experienced a 12 percent decline in enrollment.
Impending restrictions on course content, DEI initiatives, and academic organizations will contribute to students’ disinterest in Ohio universities. Additionally, universities may be forced to alter or eliminate course offerings due to the inclusion of “controversial beliefs or policies.”
Furthermore, hundreds of students have submitted oppositional testimony expressing their imminent departure from Ohio universities if SB is implemented. Due to the stipulations of SB 83 that promote “intellectual diversity” through censorship, the bill inhibits the ability of faculty to fulfill their roles as educators for fear of negative repercussions.
Lastly, Ohio universities produce 8.8 percent of the state’s gross domestic product.
If SB 83 is implemented, Ohio universities will become unappealing to university students and faculty, income for the Ohio higher education system will be lost as students unenroll and faculty depart, and the Ohio economy will face significant losses due to the education sector’s contributions.
SB 83 is extremely dangerous to the existing academic freedom, rigor, and inquiry within Ohio’s public universities.
I urge Ohioans to contact their representatives and urge them to reject this bill.
Christine Fite is a graduate student at Ohio State University pursuing a Master of Public Administration and a Master of Arts in Latin American studies.