Questions surrounding what SB1 will eliminate on college and university campuses

Colleges and universities across Ohio are still scrambling to figure out what programs and courses are affected by Senate Bill One. The bill that goes into effect at the end of June requires any diversity, equity or inclusion programs to be eliminated.

Some universities like Kent State are taking a firm stance announcing that several identity-based centers including its LGBTQ+ Center, Women's Center and Student Multicultural Center will be closing their doors.

Under Youngstown State University President Bill Johnson’s interpretation of the bill, DEI does not include like minded student formed groups like LGBTQ or black student groups which will be allowed to stay.

“The legislature made it very clear there's no intent of stopping people from expressing their individual freedom of speech and…their constitutional rights that every student on this campus has,” Johnson told 21 News. 

Johnson would not clarify what exactly falls under DEI that's currently offered at the campus, only saying a "do’s and don’ts list" will be published this month.

“The law is very clear there's a list of do’s and a list of don’ts and we’re going to be complying with the law,” President Johnson said. 

Before those answers come, some students feel left in the dark while the clock is ticking. 

“Nobody really has any definitive answers on what we will be forced to get rid of,” Lauren Burgess, a YSU Senior said. “I think we kind of feel a little clueless as far as what we’re allowed to do and what's going to happen in the future surrounding this bill and that's kind of scary.”

SB1 goes into effect on June 27.