In the UT-AAUP Newsletter of July 27, 2025, we presented SB-1 changes to the Terms and Conditions of Employment covered by collective bargaining including a summary by UT-AAUP legal counsel, Jon Winters.
In addition to changes in Terms and Conditions of Employment, SB-1 also makes changes to Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs and how certain “controversial” subjects may be taught. The attached summary by UT-AAUP legal counsel, Jon Winters, reflects SB-1 changes to DEI in the Ohio Revised Code (O.R.C.).
While some DEI programs are ostensibly not covered in CBAs, specific requirements in SB-1 may have an impact on academic freedom and constitutionally protected free speech. The UT-AAUP will be monitoring these impacts and addressing infringements of faculty rights of academic freedom, free speech, and due process under the CBAs, the State of Ohio Constitution and the U.S. Constitution.
Although DEI changes have been dictated by the Ohio legislature in SB-1, actions by the Administration pursuant to it may be covered by the CBAs. If a bargaining unit faculty is investigated or disciplined for alleged violations of SB-1 DEI changes, the UT-AAUP, as the exclusive faculty representative, will defend the faculty. Academic freedom, First Amendment, and due process rights are protected under all of our CBAs. The UT-AAUP will challenge any infringements of these faculty Rights. SB-1 cannot be used to walk over individual rights. Such will be strongly and relentlessly defended by the UT-AAUP.
A UT-AAUP membership meeting will be held early in the Fall Semester to discuss UT-AAUP SB-1 newsletters and to answer questions.
UT-AAUP Executive Board