A national education watchdog group is calling on Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost to investigate The Ohio State University for allegedly violating a new state law that bans mandatory diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training in higher education.
The law, Senate Bill 1, prohibits Ohio colleges and universities from requiring or promoting DEI-related coursework or ideological conformity as a condition for graduation. It went into effect on June 27, 2025.
Defending Education, which describes itself as a grassroots organization representing students and parents nationwide, says a whistleblower screenshot from OSU’s student portal dated October 14 shows the diversity requirement remains active.
The group argues that OSU’s continued enforcement of the diversity course requirement contradicts both the letter and spirit of the law. They cite an August 25 policy memo from OSU’s Office of Academic Affairs, which explicitly states that the university “will not encourage, discourage, require, or forbid” students to endorse or express any political or ideological stance.
In its request, the organization asks the Attorney General to “act swiftly to remedy any unlawful policies and practices” and ensure compliance with the new law. Nicole Neily, president of Defending Education, signed the letter and offered to provide further information to investigators.
