With the passage of Senate Bill 1 into law during the 136th General Assembly, Kent State's faculty face new challenges in educating our students in a way consistent with the mission and values of Kent State. Faculty are advised to familiarize themselves both with the specific provisions of SB 1 and with additional information posted by the Ohio Department of Higher Education on its website about how the Chancellor is interpreting SB 1. The University has a website dedicated to SB 1 compliance. This webpage includes information and resources about what the University is doing to comply with SB 1.
KSUFA is committed to helping faculty navigate those challenges and to being a space where all faculty are heard, cared, and advocated for. There are several important things to keep in mind:
- Nothing that you taught before the law took effect has become illegal to teach. However, we do understand that teaching subjects that might be deemed "controversial beliefs or policies" under the law has become significantly more challenging.
- KSUFA will defend your academic freedom and keep pressure on the University to do the same.
- As an independent organization, KSUFA's ability to promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is not curtailed by this legislation. We are committed to being a vocal advocate for and providing support to minoritized faculty and faculty who teach in areas targeted by the bill.
KSUFA has developed additional detailed information and advice to faculty concerning elements of the law in the links below. (Disclaimer: we at KSUFA are not lawyers and none of this information is intended as legal advice.) We will continue to keep you informed and will be revising this information as our understanding of the law changes and as we develop new strategies for navigating the challenges of SB 1.
Promoting Intellectual Diversity While Preserving Academic Freedom
Know Your Rights! Academic Freedom
What to do if a student threatens to file a formal complaint or sue
Know Your Rights! Formal Complaint Procedures That Can Protect Faculty
KSUFA's Diversity Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Advocacy
If you are interested in working with us to develop new strategies or have suggestions for how to revise any of our current materials, please contact KSUFA (