The Ohio State University is reviewing its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in light of recent state and federal developments that may affect educational practices. To comply with legal changes, the university will sunset the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and other related services by February 28, 2025, while maintaining some scholarships with modified criteria. The Office of Institutional Equity will be renamed to reflect its new focus. The university assures that current scholarships and aid will remain unaffected, and impacted staff and students will be supported in transitioning to new opportunities. The commitment to a welcoming environment persists.
Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff:
As previously communicated earlier this month, our university has been diligently reviewing policy developments at various levels of government, particularly concerning our initiatives in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Our aim is to ensure that Ohio State remains a welcoming environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, while also adhering to the regulations that govern us.
Since my last message, there have been several developments at both the state and federal levels related to DEI in public education. The federal government has indicated its intention to enforce guidance that undermines the use of race in a wide array of educational activities, which could potentially lead to the withdrawal of crucial federal funding that supports our students, academic programs, and overall operational success. Additionally, here in Ohio, a legislative bill aimed at restricting DEI initiatives is progressing, and the Attorney General of Ohio—our legal counsel—has advised us that his office supports the federal stance on the matter of race in education.
This situation is intricate and rapidly evolving, with numerous court cases at different stages of the legal process. While we cannot foresee the outcome of any specific legal case, one thing is clear: the collective actions occurring at both the state and federal levels, coupled with the guidance from our leaders, signal that we must adapt our approach to DEI.
Engaging in these discussions is challenging, as we anticipated. The entire landscape of higher education is presently grappling with difficulties. Nevertheless, I firmly believe that our university’s best path forward is to take proactive measures to manage this new environment, ensuring we uphold the fundamental values of excellence, access, and opportunity that we cherish.
Today, I want to inform you of the initial steps we are undertaking:
- We will be discontinuing the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) along with some of its associated services, effective February 28, 2025. Scholarships overseen by the Office of Academic Affairs, including the Morrill Scholarship Program and the Young Scholars Program, will continue with adjusted eligibility criteria in the future.
- Effective February 28, 2025, the programming and services provided by Student Life’s Center for Belonging and Social Change (CBSC) will also be ceased.
- The Office of Institutional Equity will be renamed the Office of Civil Rights Compliance to better reflect its mission and will report exclusively to the Office of University Compliance and Integrity. The Office of Civil Rights Compliance will remain a university-wide resource for receiving, investigating, and addressing all reports of discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct.
I want to emphasize that these changes will not affect current student scholarships, financial aid, or student employment. Criteria for existing scholarships linked to these programs may be adjusted as needed to ensure legal compliance, but every existing student with an award will retain their scholarship. Certain services will transition to other areas within Academic Affairs or Student Life, and the staff in these areas will remain with Ohio State.
For staff affected by the discontinuation of specific programs, we will adhere to our standard practice of assisting these individuals in finding new opportunities within Ohio State whenever possible. All student employees impacted by the program changes will be offered alternative positions at the university. The university is directly reaching out to impacted staff, students, and faculty to provide additional information.
Both the ODI and the CBSC have historically played important roles in supporting our campus and students. I understand that these decisions may be disappointing for many in our community, especially during an already unpredictable and challenging time. While we may not have all the answers, I have listened to your concerns and understand the diverse emotions present within our campus, and I am heartened by the kindness and respect we are showing each other during these uncertain moments.
I would like to express particular gratitude to the many colleagues who have worked diligently under a tight timeline to make thoughtful decisions for our university amidst the rapidly evolving information we are receiving. We will provide further updates as we progress. As decisions are finalized, information regarding services and programs will be updated or removed from university websites, social media, and materials.
Ohio State has always been a place where every member of our community is valued, where everyone is acknowledged and respected, and where opportunities for success abound. Safeguarding the success of all our students, faculty, and staff during their time at Ohio State will continue to be our guiding principle. We will persist in celebrating the diverse backgrounds and ideas that strengthen us and uphold the cherished value of academic freedom that has long characterized the excellence of American universities.
I am fully committed to our capacity to face these challenges together. Above all, I am thankful that each of you is a part of the Ohio State community. Thank you for your ongoing contributions.
Ted Carter
President
The Ohio State University