Ohio is joining with many other states in banning colleges and universities from requiring “diversity statements” which preclude actual intellectual diversity. SB 83 says, in part:
“The chancellor of higher education shall not distribute any state funds appropriated for institutional purposes to a private institution of higher education unless the institution submits a statement affirming all of the following:>
(1) The institution is committed to intellectual diversity.
(2) The institution is committed to free speech protection for students, staff, and faculty.
(3) The institution does not require diversity, equity, and inclusion courses or training for students, staff, or faculty.
(4) The institution complies with the syllabus requirements prescribed under section 3345.029 of the Revised Code as if it were a state institution of higher education.
(5) The institution complies with the prohibition of political and ideological litmus tests in hiring or promotion policies in accordance with section 3345.0217 of the Revised Code as if it were a state institution of higher education.”
They are also requiring that syllabi be posted publicly:
“Each state institution of higher education shall make available on its publicly accessible web site a syllabus for each undergraduate course it offers for college credit. Each syllabus shall be all of the following:
(1) Accessible from the main page of the state institution’s web site by use of not more than three links;
(2) Searchable by keywords and phrases;
(3) Accessible to the public without requiring user registration of any kind.”
