CINCINNATI — University of Cincinnati has joined a long list of Ohio colleges making changes to comply with a bill that's going into effect this summer. 

What You Need To Know

  • A bill going into effect this summer bans diversity efforts among Ohio colleges

  • Several other schools have already gotten rid of their DEI programs and spaces, including Case Western Reserve University, Ohio University and University of Toledo

  • UC said while it's closing down centers, it's making new investments to make students still feel welcomed and foster a positive environment
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Senate Bill 1, which was signed in March, bans diversity efforts, as well as puts diversity scholarships at risk, controls discussions in classrooms, creates post-tenure reviews and more. 

Additionally, the bill requires universities to eliminate undergraduate programs that have had fewer than five degrees annually over any three-year period.

UC President Neville G. Pinto wrote in a message to the community that while the school has to make changes to comply with the state law, it's also creating new investments to meet the needs of students. 

"I write today to reaffirm our commitment to fostering a campus community where everyone feels truly welcome, genuinely respected and deeply valued," Pinto wrote. "Our pledge remains steadfast: to build a culture that lifts people up and brings them together for meaningful connections, transformational educational experiences and lifelong impact."

Here's what will be changing:

  • The school's central Equity & Inclusion office will close. Pinto said there will be a new unit focused on ethics, compliance and community impact.
  • All four of UC's identity centers will close. Pinto said the spaces will be repurposed to support the success of students, and all the employees at the indentity centers will be able to transition into new roles within Student Affairs. 
  • Spaces for the Ethnic Programs & Services, the LGBQ Center and the Women's Center will soon be occuppied by the Center for Student involvement. Pinto said the expanded space will "allow students to connect to our vibrant campus community in new and meaningful ways that support their personal growth, experiential learning and community building."
  • The African American Cultural & Resource Center will be renamed to the "The Cultural Center," which will be used as a general connection space with new programming

"I recognize that unwinding deeply rooted efforts around inclusion will undoubtedly challenge core feelings of belonging for many in our community," Pinto wrote. "My message to you is unequivocal: You belong here. I encourage you to use the new facilities and programs to remain connected and find the support you need."

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