Tomorrow is the first hearing for SB 1, the new version of last session's failed SB 83. Once again, it treats Ohio's universities as Enemy #1, reigniting the right wing's culture wars vs higher education & diversity. Follow along for more about it: 1/13 - ThreadSky

gdanielsohio.bsky.social • 26 days ago

Tomorrow is the first hearing for SB 1, the new version of last session's failed SB 83. Once again, it treats Ohio's universities as Enemy #1, reigniting the right wing's culture wars vs higher education & diversity. Follow along for more about it: 1/13

Comments

gdanielsohio.bsky.social•26 days ago

SB 1 continues the obsession against "DEI" i.e. diversity, equity & inclusion. AKA, in this context, efforts by universities to ensure those often left behind - or left out entirely - do not face the same hostility, discrimination & apathy they so often encounter. 2/13

gdanielsohio.bsky.social•26 days ago

A huge point to note is nowhere in SB 1 is "DEI" defined. This means one of two things: 1) They want to keep everyone guessing the scope of banning DEI or 2) SB 1's anti-DEI provisions target literally everyone. But supporters refuse to say. 3/13

gdanielsohio.bsky.social•26 days ago

Sometimes, a DEI effort is as simple as explaining on job application or admission materials everyone should feel welcome to apply, regardless of race, sex, age, religion, physical disability, etc. This creates a welcoming environment for all. SB 1 hates that; SB 1 bans it. 4/13

gdanielsohio.bsky.social•26 days ago

Other times, DEI efforts may take the form of offering scholarships to those sorely underrepresented on our campuses. For example, Ohio State offers scholarships to veterans, blind students, human trafficking survivors & more. Again, all this is banned by the radical SB 1. 5/13

gdanielsohio.bsky.social•26 days ago

In other words, the ongoing refusal of SB 1's supporters to define DEI means these examples - and far more - are now on the chopping block. All by design. They do not want even the mildest diversity efforts & they are making them illegal under Ohio law. 6/13

gdanielsohio.bsky.social•26 days ago

SB 1 also repeats SB 83's purposeful attacks on academic freedom. The First Amendment allows (state) university faculty & departments wide latitude to create & teach classes & related coursework. Under the guise of "free speech," SB 1 flips this principle on its head. 7/13

Comments

Posting Rules

Reply