Ohio Professors Submit Signatures to Repeal SB1

Professors at Youngstown State University have initiated efforts to repeal Ohio Senate Bill 1, a new law that overhauls higher education by eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, banning faculty strikes, and mandating public posting of syllabi. The group submitted thousands of petition signatures to start a referendum process, which requires a multi-step approval and ultimately over 250,000 valid signatures from across the state to place the repeal on the ballot. Supporters of the repeal argue the law will stifle academic freedom, undermine labor rights, and harm students, while the bill's sponsors insist it is necessary to align education with workforce needs and reduce perceived liberal bias. Although the campaign has gained some grassroots momentum, major education unions, such as the Ohio Education Association, are prioritizing legal challenges over supporting the referendum. The process is widely seen as a challenging, uphill battle due to high signature requirements and limited organizational support. The law is set to go into effect in late June unless successfully challenged or repealed.