(COLUMBUS) - A new proposal in the Ohio Legislature would require public colleges and universities to annually certify that they are following the state's sweeping higher education overhaul law.
Republican State Rep. Tom Young of Washington Township introduced House Bill 698, which would enforce Senate Bill 1 -- signed by Governor Mike DeWine last year -- by mandating yearly compliance reports to the state chancellor of higher education.
SB 1 prohibits diversity, equity and inclusion courses and training at public institutions, bans faculty strikes, and restricts professors from taking positions on controversial political issues while teaching.
Under the new measure, universities could not sidestep the law by reassigning staff to continue DEI-related work. Schools would have to provide an annual inventory of any employees moved from those roles and justify the changes.
Institutions found out of compliance could face the loss of state funding, though they would be given time to correct violations before penalties take effect.
Ohio State University says it is complying with current law and reviewing the proposal.
Critics, including advocacy groups and Democratic lawmakers, argue the bill interferes with university governance.
House Bill 698 received its first hearing Tuesday in the House Workforce and Higher Education Committee.