With the passing of Ohio’s controversial Senate Bill 1, Portage County politicians didn’t let up in the statehouse or on social media in March.

In a significant development for higher education in Ohio, the enactment of Senate Bill 1 has sparked considerable controversy and debate. The bill, which bans diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, along with prohibiting faculty strikes and restricting discussions on controversial topics, is perceived by many as an attack on institutional freedoms and academic diversity. This law has been met with fierce opposition from students and educational advocates, who argue that such regulations hinder the quality of education and the ability to cultivate diverse and critical perspectives necessary for fields like medicine. High school students, particularly those with ambitions in medicine and law, have expressed concerns about the implications of these regulations on their potential college education in Ohio. Educators have also weighed in, suggesting that this legislation sends a message of exclusion to prospective students. The concerns regarding this law extend beyond immediate impacts, leading students to consider institutions outside of Ohio that uphold more inclusive policies. The outcome of this legislation raises pressing questions about the future of public universities in Ohio and the response from students and faculty as they navigate this landscape. As this situation evolves, it remains to be seen how Ohio's academic environment will adapt and whether or not students will truly seek education elsewhere as they’ve indicated.