Ohio University's diversity and inclusion centers could close if higher ed overhaul bill passes

Yahoo

11-02-2025

Alumni Gateway at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. (Stock photo from Getty Images.)
Audrey Ansel is afraid Ohio University's Pride Center might shut down if a controversial bill that would ban diversity and inclusion efforts from Ohio's public universities passes.
State Sen. Jerry Cirino, R-Kirtland, introduced Senate Bill 1 which touches on many aspects of higher education.
In addition to the diversity and inclusion ban, the bill would prevent faculty from striking, set rules around classroom discussion, put diversity scholarships at risk, shorten university board of trustees terms from nine years down to six years, and require students take an American history course, among other things.
'The Pride Center means the world to me,' Ansel, a 21-year-old junior at Ohio University, said. 'The Pride Center definitely serves as a hub for queer people in Athens. … Not only is it a hub for university students, but it's really a hub for the community.'
The Pride Center's future isn't the only one potentially in jeopardy. The university's Women's Center and Multicultural Center also fall under OU's Division of Diversity and Inclusion. Combined, the three centers have eight full-time staffers, according to their websites.
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The Ohio Capital Journal reached out to the directors of all three centers, but none of them responded.
Ohio University Spokesperson Dan Pittman said the university does not typically comment on pending legislation.
'We will continue to monitor this proposed bill as it evolves and progresses through the state's established legislative process,' Pittman said in an email.
John O'Keefe, president of Ohio University's American Association of University Professors chapter, said he would expect the Pride Center, Women's Center, and Multicultural Center to shut down if the bill passes.
'This bill definitely targets university positions where administrators and employees are working to promote diversity, equity and inclusion, which is a really broad range,' O'Keefe said. 'It's crucial to have an educational system that gives everyone equal footing and an equal opportunity. … If you feel you're not within the larger majority of the student body you can have a very isolating experience, and that makes it less likely for you to complete your degree.'
Ansel has worked at the Pride Center since her freshman year, but it's more than a job to her.
'Not only is this my stable source of income, it's what I want to do for the rest of my life,' she said. 'I want to advocate and be an advocate. It is so meaningful to have a place where I can be myself fully and completely and not have to compromise any part of my identity.'
A major driving force of her choosing the university was knowing the Pride Center was on campus.
'The Pride Center is so intertwined with my college career, and the thought of no longer being able to work there or even go there, is really devastating,' Ansel said.
There were more than 360 'unique student visits' to the Pride Center in January, Ansel said.
'All of those students that don't know where else to go when they come to the Pride Center, where are they going to go?' Ansel said.
Queer people wouldn't stop existing on college campuses if SB 1 passes, Ansel said.
'I get this sense among people that there's just a lot of fear right now, and I certainly feel a lot of fear right now,' Ansel said.
SB 1 has had one hearing so far and has more testimony scheduled for Tuesday. The bill is up for a possible committee vote Wednesday morning. If SB 1 passes out of committee, it could go to the full Senate Wednesday afternoon.
Follow Capital Journal Reporter Megan Henry on Bluesky.
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