Legislative Updates

Senate Bill 1 passed the Ohio House of Representatives in a 58-34 vote on March 19. Lawmakers in the Ohio Senate must approve House changes to the bill before it heads to Gov. Mike DeWine's desk. Governor DeWine has indicated he is likely to sign the bill after reviewing the final version.  

The House Workforce and Higher Education Committee accepted two amendments and rejected several changes, including the faculty strike ban. 

Senate Bill 1 will now move to the Senate for concurrence. The timeframe for that action is not yet confirmed, but we expect the Senate may concur the week of March 24.

• Read version of Bill passed by the House

Updated March 20, 2025

Aside from requiring the creation of an American civil literacy course, and so long as faculty allow students to express intellectual diversity (as that term is defined in the current version of the legislation), we do not currently anticipate that this legislation will limit what our faculty can teach. In our view, the provision in this legislation that precludes taking a position on any “controversial belief or policy" applies to official statements or positions by university employees on behalf of the institution.

As a fundamental principle, we must safeguard academic freedom, ensuring our ability to explore, discover and share truth and knowledge without restriction. We must continue to measure ourselves against the rigors of sound pedagogy by prioritizing critical thinking, encouraging intellectual curiosity and welcoming open dialogue. In real terms, this means presenting multiple perspectives on controversial topics and allowing all voices to be heard in our classrooms.

Updated March 18, 2025

As of now, most DEI programs and practices are continuing at UC.

Soon after UC announced that DEI would be halted to comply with the February 14 “Dear Colleague” letter, a U.S. District judge in Baltimore granted a preliminary injunction to certain aspects of President Trump’s executive order to end government support for DEI. The Trump administration is appealing the preliminary injunction.

While the legal landscape has currently shifted in some ways on the federal level, Ohio’s Senate Bill 1, which also bans DEI, passed the Senate on February 12, followed by the House on March 19. Senate Bill 1 will now move to the Senate for concurrence on two additional amendments. The timeframe for that action is not yet clear.

To prepare our large and complex institution in the likely event this legislation becomes law, we have asked UC leaders to achieve a state of readiness as it relates to their area’s DEI programs and practices. If Senate Bill 1 is signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine, we anticipate a 90-day deadline to come into compliance.

Additionally, to comply with the Supreme Court’s Harvard ruling, as well as subsequent communications from both Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and the Office for Civil Rights “Dear Colleague” letter, we have asked our leaders to ensure that university programs and practices do not rely on race, color, or national origin when it comes to how we make decisions related to admissions, scholarships, hiring and procurement.

Updated March 20, 2025

Leadership is engaging stakeholders at every level — including students, faculty and staff — to ensure input is received as to how best to respond to state and federal policy updates. We are engaging with various groups, including governance leaders from Student Government, Graduate Student Government, Faculty Senate and Staff Senate. In addition, important conversations and listening sessions are occurring with leadership and within various colleges to listen to concerns and share updates. A running list of these can be seen at the bottom of this page under "Discussions and Open Forums." 

Updated March 11, 2025

We anticipate that current UC scholarship recipients will not lose scholarship funding, however, future selection criteria for some donor-sponsored scholarships may need to change to comply with the law, such as removing any restrictions or preferences based on race, sex, national origin or other protected classifications.

While U.S. universities have not experienced the withdrawal of state- or federal-based student financial aid, this possibility exists if universities are found out of compliance with enforced orders or laws.

We estimate that state and federal financial aid, including the Federal Pell Grant for low-income UC students, exceeds $62 million annually. UC also receives more than $320 million annually in federal research grants and contracts, some of which support students.

Updated March 7, 2025

We are working to gain clarity as to how and if Senate Bill 1, if passed, will impact UC’s identity centers. If adjustments must be made, we will engage the communities impacted to help in determining the direction of any changes and how those would be implemented to both come into compliance and continue to support our students. Our students’ academic, social and personal development remain a priority.

Updated March 7, 2025

Our university has several hundred student groups, and we consider them vital to building a successful, supportive and thriving university community. We are working to gain clarity as to how and if Senate Bill 1, if passed, will impact student groups. If adjustments must be made, we will engage the communities impacted to hear their voices and work with them to determine the direction of any changes and how those would be implemented. Our students’ academic, social and personal development remain a priority.

Updated March 7, 2025

While DEI functions may need to cease and positions may need to be terminated to comply with new laws or orders, we are committed to offering our students the same or greater level of staff support. We are committed to minimizing staff losses, and our dedication to student success will guide our actions.

Updated March 7, 2025

Senate Bill 1 includes a provision for eliminating majors for undergraduate degree programs if fewer than five students annually have earned degrees over three years. Otherwise, discontinuation of majors or minors is not currently expected.

Updated March 7, 2025

On the evening of February 7th, a notice was published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announcing a change in the Facilities and Administration (F&A) rate for all ongoing and new NIH research awards to 15 percent, effective on February 10th, 2025. This would replace the current negotiated rate.

The Office of Research awaits more specific rulings from the courts and guidance from the funding agencies to determine precise impacts and necessary actions. The Office of Research has created a site on Bearcats Landing – Federal Agency Updates – that contains the latest information, communication, and guidance for UC researchers. Students engaged in research are encouraged to speak to faculty Principal Investigators and faculty mentors.

Updated March 7, 2025

University presidents and government relations teams across Ohio spent two years advocating both privately and publicly for changes to Senate Bill 83, the first iteration of anti-DEI legislation in Ohio. President Pinto has had numerous meetings with Sen. Jerry Cirino, the bill’s sponsor, along with other Ohio legislators, to share concerns with the legislation.

Last year, President Pinto made a specific case for UC’s inclusive strategies during his testimony in front of the Ohio Senate Workforce and Higher Education Committee, chaired by Sen. Cirino, in which he stated:

“Our students have become more diverse, with 27% of our population being students of color, an increase of 6% since 2017. Our growth, and our increasing diversity, is driven by our public mission. In fact, we believe increasing our diversity is a strategic imperative.”

Since the fall 2024 elections, shifting state and national political landscapes have resulted in new iterations of legislation, including Senate Bill 1, which further restricts programs and practices focused on inclusion.

UC leaders continue to make regular trips to Columbus and DC to meet with legislators, raise concerns, demonstrate UC’s value and encourage officials to support policies that honor the mission of public higher education.

Updated March 11, 2025

Any form of discrimination or harassment, including that based on shared ancestry such as antisemitism, will not be tolerated. We remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering a civil, respectful and supportive environment for all.

Reports may be made to the Office of Equal Opportunity:

Office of Equal Opportunity
(513)556-3349
eooffice@uc.edu
Online Reporting Form

A report may be submitted anonymously via EthicsPoint:

EthicsPoint Anonymous Reporting Hotline
(800) 889-1547 or (800) 889-1547
Electronic Submission Form

Reports concerning safety concerns should be immediately reported to law enforcement. Reports may be made simultaneously to law enforcement and the non-criminal reporting options listed above:

University of Cincinnati Police Division (UCPD)
Three Edwards Center
51 West Corry Blvd.
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0215
Phone: (513) 556-1111
Dial 911 for Emergencies

Updated March 13, 2025

UC International Services has received many inquiries from students and scholars relating to recent Executive Orders signed by the Trump Administration. The following provides some general information responsive to those inquiries. Please note that this information is not legal advice but only meant to be informational. Students and scholars are responsible for maintaining proper legal status and consulting their immigration attorney if they have any questions. 

Documentation of Legal Status

Section 264(e) of Immigration and Nationality Act requires every individual over the age of 18 to always carry documentation of legal status. Students and scholars may consider carrying paper copies of their legal status and keeping original documents in a safe place that is easily accessible when necessary. The most common item of identification is the passport (biography page only) and the most common forms of evidence of lawful status in the U.S. are the I-94 card accompanied by the appropriate visa document (I-20, DS-2019, I-797 Notice of Action, EAD card when on OPT, etc.). I-94 cards can be downloaded electronically at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/home. 

Maintaining Proper F-1 and J-1 Status

The University is required to track information relating to international students and scholars on F-1 and J-1 status via the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), including violations of status for things like lack of enrollment or working without authorization. As such, it’s important that F-1 and J-1 status holders follow all the rules for maintaining those statuses to avoid a terminated designation in SEVIS. Information about maintaining your status can be found at https://www.uc.edu/about/international.html.

Visits to Campus By Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

On January 21, 2025, the Trump Administration rescinded previous guidance that designated universities as a “protected area” against enforcement activities by ICE. Therefore, it is possible that ICE agents may make unannounced visits to campus to execute a warrant or subpoena. The University will continue to comply with valid warrants and subpoenas as well as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, and any other applicable laws as appropriate.

Increased Visa Restrictions and Vetting

The Executive Order “Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats” enhances and tightens vetting for all visa applicants. Students and scholars should expect longer wait times to obtain visa appointments. Those applying for immigration benefits should apply as early as possible and expect longer processing times. Students and scholars may want to consult their immigration attorney if they are considering travel at this time.

Contact Details

Students and scholars with questions about immigration/visa related issues should engage an immigration attorney for legal advice. For issues specifically related to your F-1 or J-1 visa status, you can contact UC International Services or find more information at:

Phone: 513-556-4278
Email: international.services@uc.edu
Web: https://www.uc.edu/about/international.html
In-person at 7148 Edwards Center One, Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Updated March 13, 2025