Group wants Ohio State investigated for DEI violations

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(The Center Square) – A national group focused on eliminating what it calls activism from schools wants the Ohio State University to be investigated for continuing to require diversity, equity and inclusion classes.

In a letter, Defending Education asked Attorney General Dave Yost to investigate OSU, saying a whistleblower provided a screenshot of Ohio State’s student registration portal that shows a “race, ethnicity and gender diversity” requirement still existed as of Oct. 14.

In June, Senate Bill 1 took effect in Ohio, prohibiting DEI classes and trainers at schools across the state.

“We ask that the Office of the Attorney General of Ohio promptly investigate the mandatory coursework at The Ohio State University, act swiftly to remedy any unlawful policies and practices, and order appropriate relief,” Defending Education President Nicole Neily wrote to Yost.

Ohio State Assistant Vice President of Media and Public Relations Benjamin Johnson told The Center Square the university is aware of the letter and in contact with Yost. He also said OSU is in compliance.

The Center Square was unsuccessful prior to publication getting comment from Yost.

Thousands of in-person protesters and people testified against the bill. SB1 passed the Legislature in late March and was signed into law in early April.

It bans courses, training, litmus tests, required statements, and spending for diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives or programs.

It sets parameters around discussions about what it calls controversial topics. Named are climate polices; electoral politics; foreign policy; ban diversity, equity and inclusion; immigrant policy; and marriage and abortion.

It also bans faculty members from striking.

In its letter, Defending Education also says Ohio State is violating its policy memo, created in August, which recognizes the limitations created by the new policy and commits the school’s leadership to following it.

Defending Education calls itself a grassroots organization that promotes a “healthy, nonpolitical education for children.” It encourages people to submit “incident reports” and includes an “indoctrination map” on its website.