The bill, introduced by Senator Brenner, aims to amend the Revised Code concerning public education in Ohio by prohibiting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in public schools. It establishes a new section, 3313.475, which mandates that boards of education for various school districts adopt policies that ban DEI-related activities, including training courses, the establishment of DEI offices, and any hiring practices that consider race or ethnicity. Additionally, the bill requires boards to create a complaint process for students, parents, and employees to report violations, ensuring that investigations and hearings are conducted to address any issues.

Moreover, the bill outlines new requirements for community schools, including the submission of comprehensive plans for their operations and the role of sponsors in monitoring compliance and performance. It also introduces compliance mandates for STEM and college-preparatory boarding schools, aligning them with the requirements of traditional school districts, and incorporates the newly created section 3313.475 into these compliance measures. The bill further repeals existing sections 3314.03, 3326.11, and 3328.24, indicating a significant overhaul of the legal framework governing educational institutions in Ohio.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3314.03, 3326.11, 3328.24