Youngstown State University President Bill Johnson released a statement Wednesday distancing the university from a growing petition effort led by members of the faculty union aimed at overturning Senate Bill 1.

The law, signed by Governor Mike DeWine in March, bans diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs at public universities, prohibits faculty strikes, weakens tenure protections, and increases state oversight of curriculum and evaluations. It has sparked significant pushback from educators and advocacy groups across the state.

At the forefront of the opposition is the YSU-OEA faculty union. Philosophy professor and union President Mark Vopat says the effort started locally but has quickly gained statewide support.

“We were thinking, gee, it’s going to be tough… and then it turned around. Next thing, we have almost 5,000 signatures from people across the state,” Vopat said in an interview with 21 News.

What began as a YSU-led effort has since expanded, with faculty members, students, and grassroots organizations across Ohio contributing to the petition drive. Organizers hope to place the bill on the November ballot through a statewide referendum, which would require roughly 250,000 valid signatures once the ballot language is certified by the Secretary of State.

While Vopat says some portions of the bill align with current university practices, he raised concerns about what he described as the bill's “lack of clarity and of specificity.”

“We’re not even sure what student groups can exist,” he said.

In his statement, President Johnson emphasized that the university acknowledges the union’s constitutional right to oppose the legislation and gather signatures — but made it clear that their actions do not reflect the stance of the university itself.

“These activities do not represent the official position of the university… the faculty union does not speak for the university, and the university has no intentions of supporting any opposition efforts to reverse the law,” Johnson wrote.

Johnson added that YSU remains committed to free expression, critical thinking, and complying with state law while “maintaining our fundamental principles.”

Organizers say the petition effort is not just about union rights, but also about student access, academic freedom, and the long-term quality of higher education in Ohio.