Lake County Times

The Ohio Senate has approved Senate Bill 1, a significant piece of legislation sponsored by State Senator Jerry C. Cirino. Known as the Advance Ohio Higher Education Act, this bill aims to reshape higher education in the state by addressing issues such as changing student demographics, workforce demands, and rising costs.

Senate Bill 1 seeks to restore free speech on college campuses and eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. "My bill will return our public universities and colleges to their rightful mission of education rather than indoctrination," stated Cirino. He emphasized the importance of teaching students how to think critically and listen to opposing views.

Cirino further argued that DEI programs are discriminatory and should not be funded by taxpayers. "Every student in Ohio deserves a quality education, regardless of race, gender, or religion," he added.

The bill ensures First Amendment rights for students and professors by promoting free expression in educational settings. Cirino highlighted his belief that no student should face repercussions for expressing differing opinions.

Over three years were spent consulting with academic leaders and experts while drafting the bill. Cirino visited numerous campuses to discuss reforms with stakeholders and found substantial support for these changes.

Senate Bill 1 incorporates elements from Senate Bill 83, which passed the Senate in 2023 but did not reach a House vote. The new bill adds several features aimed at enhancing intellectual diversity without limiting speech or academic freedom.

Critics have accused SB 1 of promoting censorship; however, Cirino contends it encourages open discourse. “Senate Bill 1 will allow students to exercise their right to free speech without threat of reprisal,” he said.

Key provisions include ensuring intellectual diversity among faculty and staff, providing free speech protections, eliminating DEI programming, requiring syllabus transparency, banning political litmus tests in hiring decisions, prohibiting faculty labor strikes that disrupt classes, establishing post-tenure reviews, disclosing donations from affiliates of the People’s Republic of China, and engaging trustees more actively in governance matters.

Lawmakers made adjustments based on public testimony during hearings. These included allowing university presidents discretion over civics course requirements under certain conditions and delaying syllabus transparency requirements until the 2026-2027 academic year.

Cirino believes SB1 is necessary for refocusing institutions on analytical skills rather than social engineering goals hindered by mandatory DEI adherence. "With the Passage of SB1...Ohio is at the top...of higher education reform nationally," concluded Cirino.