YWCA Columbus Reacts to the Passing of SB 1

Last week, Senate Bill 1, known as the “Anti-DEI in Higher Education Bill,” passed out of the Senate and is headed to Governor Dewine for his signature. SB 1 is detrimental to students, higher education, and the future of Ohio. It eliminates all DEI initiatives, including related policies, trainings, scholarships, offices, and student organizations, and may even eliminate services for already marginalized communities, like students with disabilities. Collectively, this bill works to benefit and preserve the power of predominantly white student bodies and faculty members. By dismantling DEI initiatives, this bill upholds structures of systemic oppression and undermines the core principles of inclusion and equity — ideals promised to all American students. SB 1 suppresses the free exchange of ideas, stifles innovation, and degrades the quality of education that Ohioans rightfully deserve. As an organization dedicated to justice and equity, YWCA Columbus vehemently opposes legislation that threatens these values.

Rejecting SB 1 is not merely about preserving DEI efforts, it is about protecting the future of our students, our universities, and our state. We must come together to protect the values that make our state strong and vibrant. YWCA Columbus calls on Governor DeWine to veto Senate Bill 1 and recommit to building a future where diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of our educational system. We urge you to do the same by using Honesty for Ohio Education’s SB 1 action page with suggested talking points, contact information, and other ways to take action.