Toledo Reporter

State Senator Paula Hicks-Hudson has expressed strong opposition to the Ohio Senate's recent approval of Senate Bill 1. The bill, which has stirred significant controversy, proposes substantial changes to the state's higher education system.

Hicks-Hudson criticized the priorities of the 136th General Assembly, stating, “It is interesting that this is the number one priority of the majority members... when there are real issues of hunger, the need for property tax relief and affordable housing, or any of the basic issues that most Ohioans actually care about.” She emphasized a focus on education, advocating for support that ensures students are prepared to learn and equipped with skills for global economic competition.

Senate Bill 1 includes measures such as prohibiting faculty strikes at universities, banning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, and preventing educational institutions from taking stances on controversial topics. Critics warn these changes could undermine Ohio's standing in higher education by deterring students and faculty and harming business partnerships.

Ohio boasts nine schools ranked among the top 200 public institutions nationwide according to U.S. News. The passage of S.B. 1 raises concerns about maintaining this quality. The U.S. Department of Labor highlights that DEI initiatives primarily benefit white women, Latinos, Asians, Native Americans, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and Black Americans.

The bill will now proceed to the Ohio House of Representatives for further deliberation.