Kent State University invites the campus community to visit this web portal for updates on changing legislation and for guidance and information about how these changes will affect them.
In Washington, the U.S. Supreme Court, in a 6-3 ruling, struck down the long-standing policy of affirmative action in college admissions on the grounds it violates the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause. Also in a 6-3 ruling, the court blocked the president’s student loan forgiveness program that would have canceled $430 billion in student loan debt.
Here in Ohio, Senate Bill 83 (and its companion House Bill 151) known as the “Ohio Higher Education Enhancement Act,” is a higher education bill that directly addresses state universities such as Kent State. However, it is important to understand that nothing in any of the versions of the bill currently under consideration would explicitly limit academic freedom.
A version of the bill was included in the state’s pending budget bill and makes changes to mandatory diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) training and programs, hiring and education around “controversial beliefs and policies,” affirmative action practices, academic partnerships with China, collective bargaining, performance evaluations and tenure.
Latest News:
- IUC Letter on Senate Bill 83 to State Sen. Jerry Cirino - Laura Lanese, IUC President and CEO
- Ohio Senate passes massive higher education overhaul bill, House version hears opponent testimony - Ohio Capital Journal
- Ohio State Board Pushes Back on Anti-DEI Bill - Inside Higher Ed
From President Diacon:
Read President Todd Diacon's message regarding Our Deep Commitment to Access and Completion.
Read President Todd Diacon's Commitment to Our Core Values.
Watch the May 1 Talking With Todd, where President Todd Diacon discusses Senate Bill 83 and the proposed state budget.
Supreme Court: Affirmative Action
Summary: On June 29, 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the long-standing policy of affirmative action in college admissions on the grounds it violates the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause. Read the court's decision.
FAQs for Supreme Court: Affirmative Action:
Supreme Court: Student Loan Forgiveness
Summary: On June 30, 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court blocked President Joe Biden’s plan to cancel $430 billion in student loan debt on the grounds that the program was an unlawful exercise of presidential power because it had not been explicitly approved by Congress. Read the court’s decision.