Lawmakers in Ohio have introduced legislation aimed at prohibiting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs within the state's K-12 public school system. The proposed bills, currently in the Ohio General Assembly, would extend a similar ban that was recently applied to the state's public colleges and universities.
If passed, the legislation would require school districts to dismantle existing DEI offices and discontinue related training and hiring practices. Proponents of the bills argue that these programs are divisive and detract from core educational goals, while opponents are organizing to challenge the measures.
Key Takeaways
- New bills in the Ohio legislature, Senate Bill 113 and House Bill 155, aim to ban DEI initiatives in public K-12 schools.
- The proposals would eliminate DEI offices, training, and the use of DEI language in job descriptions.
- Supporters, including State Rep. Josh Williams and State Sen. Andrew Brenner, argue DEI is a form of indoctrination that does not improve student success.
- The legislation is in the early committee stages, with hearings so far limited to testimony from sponsors and supporters.
- An opposition group, the Honesty for Ohio Education Coalition, has formed to counter the proposed ban.
Details of the Proposed Legislation
The legislative effort to remove DEI from Ohio's public schools is detailed in two companion bills: Senate Bill 113 and House Bill 155. These proposals seek to create a comprehensive ban on DEI practices across all K-12 school districts in the state.
Under the terms of the bills, schools would be forbidden from maintaining DEI offices or departments. The legislation explicitly states that simply renaming these offices while preserving their function would not constitute compliance. The goal is the complete elimination of such roles and programs.
The ban would also extend to mandatory DEI training for students and staff. Furthermore, school districts would be prohibited from including DEI-related language or requirements in their job descriptions and hiring processes.
Compliance and Enforcement
If the legislation is signed into law, school districts would be given a 90-day period to comply with the new regulations. To ensure adherence, the bills mandate that each district establish a formal complaint process for parents, students, and employees to report any perceived violations.
Arguments from Supporters
Proponents of the ban have been vocal during initial committee hearings, framing DEI initiatives as counterproductive to the primary mission of education. They argue that these programs promote division rather than unity and focus on social agendas instead of academic achievement.
State Representative Josh Williams, a Republican from Sylvania Township, has been a prominent supporter of the measure. He contends that DEI programs are a form of indoctrination that reinforces negative stereotypes.
“Get back to educating our students instead of trying to indoctrinate them to where they’re going to have empathy for other individuals based on sexual orientation or race,” Williams stated during a committee hearing. “A lot of times, it’s just reinforcing racial stereotypes by trying to teach kids that you’re born oppressed or an oppressor based on the color of your skin.”
This sentiment is shared by State Senator Andrew Brenner, a Republican from Delaware, who sponsored the Senate version of the bill. His testimony focused on the impact of DEI on student outcomes.
“(DEI programs) are not helping these kids become successful,” Brenner said. He emphasized that the legislature's duty is to focus on policies that directly contribute to student success, suggesting that DEI initiatives fail to meet that standard.
Legislative Status and Opposition
Both Senate Bill 113 and House Bill 155 are currently in the early phases of the legislative process. They have been assigned to committees in their respective chambers but have not yet advanced for a full vote.
To date, the committee hearings have been limited to testimony from the bills' sponsors and other supporters. This procedural step allows lawmakers who back the legislation to present their case before further debate is opened to the public and opponents.
Building on Higher Education Precedent
The proposed K-12 ban follows a similar law enacted earlier this year in Ohio that targeted DEI programs on public college and university campuses. This move suggests a broader legislative strategy to address DEI policies across all levels of public education in the state.
As the bills progress, they are expected to face significant opposition. A coalition of groups has already formed to advocate against the legislation. The Honesty for Ohio Education Coalition recently announced its campaign to push back on the proposed ban, signaling that the debate over DEI in Ohio schools is likely to intensify in the coming months.
The timeline for future hearings, where opponents will have the opportunity to testify, has not yet been announced. The progression of these bills through the Ohio General Assembly will be closely watched by educators, parents, and advocacy groups across the state.