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 adopt policies that ban any DEI-related orientation or training, the establishment of DEI offices, and the use of DEI in job descriptions. Additionally, it restricts contracts with third parties that promote admissions or hiring based on identity factors such as race or ethnicity. The bill also requires boards of education to create a complaint process for reporting violations, with a mandate to investigate and resolve confirmed issues.

Moreover, the bill includes amendments to existing sections of the Revised Code to integrate these new DEI provisions into the governance of community schools. It outlines operational requirements for community schools, including the selection process for governing authorities and compliance monitoring responsibilities for sponsors. The bill also introduces compliance requirements for STEM and college-preparatory boarding schools, treating them as school districts under the law. Notably, it repeals sections 3314.03, 3326.11, and 3328.24, indicating a significant restructuring of the legal framework governing community schools and related educational entities.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3314.03, 3326.11, 3328.24