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Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump threats have led to cancelled university events for women and Black alumni in Ohio
Alumni Gateway at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. (Stock photo from Getty Images.) Two Ohio universities are not going forward with campus events in response to the U.S. Department of Education's 'Dear Colleague' letter threatening university funding and resources, as well as pending legislation in the Ohio Statehouse. Ohio University canceled its annual Black Alumni Reunion, which was scheduled for April 10-13, and OU's Lancaster campus canceled its Celebrate Women event scheduled for Friday in honor of Women's History Month. The University of Akron decided not to budget for their Rethinking Race forum, a series of events that was historically held in February, but was moved to a fall event last year, university spokesperson Cristine Boyd said. No programming has been scheduled for the fall. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX 'While the University offers a variety of events for students and the community, we must do so in the context of a state institution that is required to abide by law, regulations and guidance at both the federal and state levels, from which we receive funding,' the university said in a statement. 'As a result of that guidance, the University has decided not to budget for Rethinking Race this year.' Ohio State University closed its Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the Office of Student Life's Center for Belonging and Social Change last month. On Feb. 14, the U.S. Department of Education issued a 'Dear Colleague' letter to higher education institutions and K-12 schools that threatened to rescind federal funds for schools that use race-conscious practices in admissions, programming, training, hiring, scholarships, and other aspects of student life. Feb. 28 was the deadline for schools to comply. In the Ohio Statehouse, Senate Bill 1 would ban diversity and inclusion programs, put diversity scholarships at risk, and restrict classroom discussion, among other things. The Senate passed the bill last month and it is up for a possible vote out of the Ohio House Higher Education and Workforce Committee Wednesday morning, meaning it could go to a full House vote as soon as Wednesday afternoon. Both university statements announcing their event cancellations mentioned the letter and 'proposed State of Ohio legislation.' 'Ohio University is reviewing programming that includes elements that may not comply with the recent guidance,' the university said in a statement about the women's event. 'When necessary, the University is placing events on hold to allow time to review program elements and reimagine events as and if necessary to ensure compliance.' Ohio University's Black Alumni Reunion has been going on for more than 40 years. 'While this is difficult news to share, we remain committed to honoring the legacy and accomplishments of Ohio University's Black alumni,' said Terry Frazier and Jillian Causey, co-chairs of the Black Alumni Reunion Alumni Planning Committee. 'We will continue working with the University to develop a plan that aligns with evolving federal and state guidelines while preserving the significance of this gathering.' Ohio University President Lori Stewart Gonzalez said she was disappointed the reunion had to be canceled. 'In light of changes to federal and state guidance, we will need to think differently about some of the ways that we live out our mission and vision,' she said in a statement. The Ohio University Celebrate Women Event has been going on for nearly two decades and is designed to 'promote and advance gender equity by recognizing the past, present, and future achievements of women from diverse ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds,' according to the event page. 'We are disappointed that we need to put this longstanding event on hold, and we will continue to be committed to providing a space for accomplished women leaders to connect with and inspire our students, staff and alumni,' said Ohio University Executive Vice President and Provost Don Leo. 'We deeply appreciate the sponsors involved who have helped make this event possible, and we look forward to partnering on future events.' Follow Capital Journal Reporter Megan Henry on Bluesky. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ohio University's diversity and inclusion centers could close if higher ed overhaul bill passes
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. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX 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. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
