Senate Bill | Graphic by Monica Brutto | The Wright State Guardian
Students at Wright State University provide reactions to Senate Bill 83, which would impact, among other notable university-related actions, diversity, equity and inclusion training and curriculum.
About the bill
Senate Bill 83, or the Ohio Higher Education Enhancement Act as passed by the Senate on May 17, would ban mandatory diversity, equity and inclusion training with some exemptions, ban staff and employee striking and require specific American history courses.
According to section 3345.0217 of the bill, diversity, equity and inclusion training would be allowed if such training secure grants or cooperative agreements, are needed for professional licensure or accreditation or are required by federal laws. For exemptions, universities must submit specific law regulations and language-use of training for chancellor approval.
On May 17, State Senator Jerry Cirino, the senator who proposed the bill, provided a message to students regarding the bill.
“If you desire an education that involves learning analytical skills, evaluating many ideas of many sides of issues and you want to learn how to think better, not what to think, this bill is for you,” Cirino said. “If you want your professors to welcome and encourage true intellectual diversity, free from the pressure to agree with a single ideological perspective, which dominates our campuses today, this bill is for you.”
For more information about the original version of the bill with feedback from Brian Boyd, Wright State faculty senate president, and Dr. Laura Luehrmann, professor of political science and chair of the School of Social Sciences and International Studies, read a previous Guardian story.
Student reactions
Alex Stone, president of Rainbow Alliance and member of Abilities and Climbing Club, testified against the bill during the third hearing on April 19. Stone explained that the experience was enlightening, showcasing how many people are passionate about politics and local government.
Stone showcased personal motivation for opposing the bill.
“I testified against this bill because it would remove many of the protections for myself
and other minority students,” Stone said. “As a leader in my own community and an emerging adult, I wanted to begin taking a more active role in my local politics, and this bill presented the perfect opportunity.”
Emilia Ranalli is the treasurer of the Asian Student Association, secretary of the Asian and Indigenous American Council and vice president of Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority Inc. Ranalli explained that diversity, equity and inclusion training is important, especially for faculty, staff and students in leadership positions.
“I think for others who haven't had a lot of exposure to diversity, I think it's really important for them to start learning and understanding more about other people and other identities,” Ranalli said.
Stone expressed concern about removing necessary diversity, equity and inclusion training as well.
“Those who need [diversity, equity and inclusion] training the most will not go to an optional training, and it leaves so many vulnerable groups with even less protections,” Stone said.
Ranalli does not see a problem with some mandatory American history classes but questions the curriculum and erasure of certain voices and subjects.
“If they're going to ignore all the racial issues that we've had in our history and LGBTQ issues, and just all those kinds of things, that would be a problem,” Ranalli said. “I think if they're trying to dilute real issues that are happening or have always happened, that's just damaging.”
Similarly, Stone explained that mandatory American history classes would be busywork for students, noting the difficulty in discussing the breadth of volatile American and world history. Stone wonders how educators can thoroughly teach about certain topics with the bill’s stipulations.
College provides an opportunity for adults to get exposed to issues that might be new, unfamiliar or uncomfortable, according to Ranalli, who explains that these topics can help expand students’ views.
Staying updated about the bill
Readers can learn more about the status of the bill and any committee action at the Ohio Legislature’s website, which also provides official documents and bill tracking options.
