Ohio Senate Bill 1 Threatens Diversity in Higher Education Hiring—Here’s Why We Must Act Now!

A new bill under discussion in the Ohio Senate—Senate Bill 1 (SB1)—poses a serious threat to diversity and inclusion in higher education hiring. If passed, this legislation would ban Ohio colleges and universities from contracting with third-party consultants or recruiters who help institutions build diverse, equitable, and inclusive hiring practices.

This bill is a direct attack on efforts to recruit and retain diverse faculty and staff—a crucial step in ensuring that students from all backgrounds have access to mentors and role models who reflect their experiences. Diversity in higher education benefits everyone, fostering innovation, expanding perspectives, and preparing students for success in a global workforce.

What’s at Stake?

SB1 would prohibit institutions from working with third-party consultants who support hiring processes that consider race, ethnicity, gender identity, and other underrepresented factors. This means:

• Fewer opportunities for diverse candidates in faculty and administrative roles.
• A step backward in DEI hiring efforts, limiting outreach to HBCU graduates and Black professionals.
• Less inclusive campuses, weakening Ohio’s appeal to prospective students and faculty of color.

This legislation undermines decades of progress in building equitable workplaces and ensuring Ohio’s colleges and universities reflect the diverse communities they serve.

Why Ohio’s Black Community and HBCU Advocates Must Take Action

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Black professionals in higher education have long fought for a seat at the table.

We must speak out NOW to ensure that Ohio remains a place where all students, faculty, and professionals have an equal opportunity to succeed.

How You Can Help

• Contact Your State Senators & Representatives – Tell them to oppose SB1 and support diversity in higher education hiring. Find your legislators and send them a message here: https://www.legislature.ohio.gov.
• Register to Vote & Make Your Voice Count – The best way to stop harmful legislation is at the ballot box. Check your voter registration status and register here: https://www.nass.org/can-I-vote.
• Spread Awareness – Share this article with your networks, colleagues, and community leaders. Let’s ensure everyone understands what’s at stake.
• Engage on Social Media – Use the hashtags #NoToSB1 and #ProtectDiversity to rally against this harmful legislation.
• Attend Hearings & Public Discussions – Make your voice heard in legislative meetings and forums discussing SB1. Your testimony can make a difference.

This is a critical moment for Ohio’s Black and HBCU communities. We cannot allow policies that roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education to go unchallenged. Our voices matter. Our representation matters. Our future depends on it.

Let’s take action together!

📢 Speak out TODAY. Share this message. Contact your legislators. Register to vote.

#DiversityMatters #NoToSB1 #ProtectDEI #HBCUConnect #HigherEdEquity #BlackExcellence