THE FUTURE OF SCHOLARSHIPS FOR WOMEN AND MINORITIES Why Ohio University won’t give awards to female, Black students
Over the last few years, we have seen a growing backlash against diversity, equity and inclusion. That backlash has reached higher education.
States like Oklahoma and Florida have abolished DEI offices, programs and curriculum.
As of tonight, Ohio does not have such a law.
There is no state law preventing Ohio University from continuing its DEI efforts and making our campus a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students – especially students from underrepresented groups, who were born here and are also citizens of the United States.
OHIO News has published numerous articles demonstrating its commitment to diversity and its successful DEI efforts.
In June 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down a decision focus on race-based admissions policies.
In January 2024, we were quietly told that this 2023 U.S. Supreme Court decision was being stretched to apply to race-based/ diversity scholarships. All diversity-based scholarships were being “paused.”
What is the impact on E.W. Scripps school of Journalism
Twelve scholarships totaling more than $46,000 will not be rewarded.
Why?
According to the Columbus media’s coverage of the university’s decision to pause the awarding of diversity scholarships for 24-25 school year was based on advice from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. It was quoted as saying race-based scholarships discriminate against white students. Seriously?
This is Athens, Ohio.
Racial makeup of OU’S journalism school
● This year: 419 journalism majors
● African American: 18 students
● Native American: zero
● Asian American: 4 students
● Hispanic/latino: 23 students ● Whites: 354 students How can 12 scholarships discriminate against white students who make up 84% of our majors?
We may not be able to award these scholarships, but the donors deserve to be honored and thanked, anyway.
$46,000 in scholarship not going to Black, female and other OU journalism students
● One scholarship was established by former associate dean of the college Dee Dee Riffe. The Eliza Al-corn Clark Memorial Scholarship honors Dr. Riffe’s grandmother.
Last year we honored Dee Dee’s grandmother by awarding a $900 scholarship to an African American sophomore. This year we cannot honor her grandmother because we are not allowed to award the Eliza Alcorn Clark Scholarship. I expect Dee Dee will be contacting me soon when she realizes that she has not received her thank you note.
● Margaret Mckechnie is a 1966 graduate of Scripps.
She spent most of her career working in communications for the banking industry and wanted to give back to young women coming up in journalism. Last year we awarded two Margaret A. Mckechnie Scholarships to two of our female students who were from out of state. Race was not part of the criteria.
Each scholarship was $6,000
Some legal scholars, not unreasonably, say the court’s decision bans the use of race in awarding scholarships, as well as in admissions. But this overlooks two important facts: The Supreme Court did not rule that diversity can never be a compelling state interest or that race can never be considered.
True, the use of race in many programs receiving federal assistance is now restricted, but it has not been completely outlawed. Even race-conscious admissions aren’t completely off the table – if programs can pass the strict scrutiny test. Consideration of a student’s race might be allowed if there is “an exceedingly persuasive justification that is measurable and concrete enough to permit judicial review,” the court said.
For example, the Supreme Court OK’D race-based policies at U.S. military academies on the theory that a strong
national defense – a compelling state interest – requires a diverse officer corps. But after the Harvard and UNC decision, even these programs will need to explore other ways to achieve diversity.
Strategies for diversity in admissions that don’t take race into account, like those suggested by the departments of Education and Justice, can serve as a guide for school administrators. MIT and Stanford Law are among the programs already using criteria such as income,
ZIP code and civic engagement to maintain diversity.
More challenges ahead
The use of race in scholarships and admissions is just one legal challenge race-conscious programs face. In July 2023, 13 state attorneys general – from Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, South Carolina,
Tennessee and West Virginia – sent a letter urging Fortune 100 CEOS to eliminate all such programs at their companies.
Critics of these programs also questioned the use of race in scholarship and financial aid programs funded from outside a university, including fellowships that consider race when helping underserved students.
In contrast, some campus leaders and lawyers argue that the court’s decision should be limited to race-conscious admissions. They argue it should not include other programs where race might be used as a factor.
Charles J. Russo is the Joseph Panzer Chair in Education and a research professor of law at University of Dayton.
Jeffrey C. Sun is a professor of higher education and law and associate dean for innovation and strategic partnerships at the University of Louisville. He received his law degree from the Moritz College of Law at Ohio State University.
This column first appeared on Theconversation.com.