Ohio House Introduces Companion Bill Targeting DEI Programs in Schools
Ohio House Republicans are pushing forward legislation that would ban diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in K-12 schools. House Bill 155, introduced by Representatives Beth Lear (R-Galena) and Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Township), mirrors Senate Bill 113 and seeks to eliminate all existing DEI offices or departments in Ohio schools. The bill would also prohibit DEI-related training, orientations, and the inclusion of DEI language in job descriptions. Additionally, it would block the creation of any new DEI-focused offices or programs.
During a recent hearing before the Ohio House Education Committee, the sponsors defended the bill as a necessary measure to shift education away from what they called “ideological indoctrination” and back toward academic fundamentals. Lear argued that DEI programs undermine merit and fairness by emphasizing identity over ability, while Williams claimed the legislation would promote unity by focusing on shared values rather than differences among students.
However, the bill has raised concerns across party lines for its lack of clarity. Democratic lawmakers repeatedly questioned how schools could comply with the law without a clear legal definition of DEI. Representative Phil Robinson Jr. (D-Solon) asked how schools would know what content or programs would be considered violations. Williams declined to provide a specific definition, stating that each school board would be responsible for developing its own policy, and that educators should simply “teach the subjects they are supposed to teach.”
The bill comes amid legal challenges to similar efforts at the federal level. The ACLU and National Education Association have filed lawsuits against attempts to restrict DEI programming in schools, raising constitutional and civil rights concerns. Representative Beryl Brown Piccolantonio (D-Gahanna) questioned how the bill would hold up in light of ongoing litigation. Williams, a lawyer, responded that he is unwilling to wait for lawsuits to be resolved while DEI programming continues in Ohio schools.
