The bill introduced in the 136th General Assembly aims to amend sections 3314.03, 3326.11, and 3328.24 of the Revised Code and enact a new section, 3313.475, which prohibits diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in public schools throughout Ohio. Under the new section, school boards are mandated to adopt a policy that bans DEI-related activities, including training courses, the establishment of DEI offices, and the use of DEI language in job descriptions. Additionally, the bill prohibits contracts with third parties that promote admissions or hiring based on identity factors such as race or ethnicity.

The legislation also requires school boards to create a complaint process for reporting violations of the DEI prohibition, investigate these complaints, and conduct hearings to address any issues. This represents a significant shift in educational policy, aiming to eliminate DEI frameworks from public school operations. Furthermore, the bill outlines requirements for community schools, including the submission of comprehensive plans and compliance monitoring by sponsors. It introduces new compliance requirements for STEM and college-preparatory boarding schools, ensuring they adhere to the Revised Code as if they were school districts, while also repealing the existing sections 3314.03, 3326.11, and 3328.24, thereby updating the legal framework governing these educational institutions.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3314.03, 3326.11, 3328.24