13-04-2025
YSU faculty union starting referendum to SB 1
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) — YSU's faculty union has announced it's starting a referendum on Senate Bill 1.
The bill makes changes to higher education, including changes to unions and diversity equity and inclusion programs. Gov. Mike DeWine signed SB 1 on March 28.
YSU-OEA is collecting signatures to get SB 1 on the ballot for Ohioans to vote on.
'This referendum gives Ohioans the opportunity to decide whether this law, which restricts campus free speech and instruction on controversial beliefs and policies, goes into effect,' the union stated in a press release.
The union spoke out against the bill earlier this month, citing concerns over the bill's stipulations banning professors from endorsing any 'controversial beliefs or policies,' changes to how universities approve tenure for professors and prohibit faculty unions from going on strike.
'SB 1 is yet another nail in the coffins of unions and freedom of speech in Ohio,' said YSU-OEA President Mark Vopat. 'This is a watered-down federal approach to DEI that leaves universities vulnerable because there is no clear guidance on 'controversial topics,' while it also attacks union rights. We expect that other public unions will be next.'
Molly Burke contributed to this report.
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