By Vicki Ungvarsky
In January of this year, President Trump signed an executive order calling for the termination of any federally funded Diversity, Equity,and Inclusion (DEI) programs. Effective June 27, 2025, Ohio passed Senate Bill 1, making it an Act. With this Act came various changes for the state regarding education. While these changes affect higher education institutions funded by the government due to being requirements for them, they have only been recommended to privately funded colleges and universities. These changes include the stripping of DEI resources from public higher education institutions. Professors and instructors can lead discussions about political and current event topics,if relevant to the class,inclusive of DEI, if it is included in the public course syllabus. The Act requires “intellectual diversity” to be expected and accepted,which means students, faculty, and staff cannot disrespect anyone else due to their points of view, even if they differ vastly from theirs.
Those instructing classes may not discuss their belief systems to sway students to think as they do. In the spring semester of the 2029 –2030 academic year, college students attending state schools will be required to take a three-credit-hour American Civic Literacy course to earn a bachelor’s degree. Another action President Trump has taken since the start of this presidential term is the agreement to a student loan forgiveness program for borrowers enrolled in Income-Contingent Repayment or Pay As You Earn income-based plans.
Students interested in learning more about how these changes and others will be affecting them throughout their academic careers are encouraged to do their own research utilizing a variety of sources from multiple viewpoints to develop educated opinions and choices regarding future elections. Write to your local and state government representatives when you wish to express your approval or concerns over decisions made.
