Gov. Mike DeWine on Friday signed into law Senate Bill 1, the Advance Ohio Higher Education Act, which supporters say bans diversity, equity and inclusion programs at Ohio’s public colleges and universities and provides free speech protections.  

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Jerry Cirino, R-Kirtland, also prohibits faculty strikes, requires post-tenure reviews, and mandates syllabus transparency. Cirino has said the legislation aims to restore academic excellence and ensure intellectual diversity on campuses.  

Opponents, including the Ohio Democratic Party and the ACLU of Ohio, criticized the bill and urged DeWine to veto the legislation, arguing it undermines academic freedom and harms students. Ohio Democratic Party Chair Elizabeth Walters said the bill would drive students, young adults, and businesses away from Ohio. The ACLU of Ohio called it a "harmful anti-free speech bill" and urged DeWine to veto it.  

Cirino said the bill is a "much needed course correction" for higher education, emphasizing that it enhances free speech and promotes diversity of thought. He said the legislation incorporates changes made during public testimony, including allowing university presidents to exempt students from civics courses under certain conditions and delaying the syllabus transparency requirement.  

The bill passed the Senate 20-11 after passing the House 58-34.