Alumni Gateway at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio.
Two Ohio universities have cancelled campus events in response to the US Department of Education’s “Dear Colleague” letter, which threatened university funding and resources, as well as pending legislation in the Ohio Statehouse.
Ohio University’s annual B lack Alumni Reunion, scheduled for April 10-13, has been cancelled, as has OU’s Lancaster campus’s Celebrate Women event in honour of Women’s History Month, which was set for Friday.
The University of Akron has decided not to budget for its Rethinking Race forum, which was previously held in February but was moved to an autumn event last year, according to university spokesperson Cristine Boyd. There is no programming scheduled for the autumn.
“While the University offers a variety of events for students and the community, we must do so in the context of a state institution that is required to abide by law, regulations and guidance at both the federal and state levels, from which we receive funding,” according to a statement from the school.
“As a result of that guidance, the University has decided not to budget for Rethinking Race this year.”
Last month, Ohio State University closed its Office of Diversity and Inclusion, as well as the Centre for Belonging and Social Change within the Office of Student Life.
On February 14, the United States Department of Education sent a “Dear Colleague” letter to higher education institutions and K-12 schools, threatening to withhold federal funds from schools that use race-conscious practices in admissions, programming, training, hiring, scholarships, and other aspects of student life. The deadline for schools to comply was February 28.
Senate Bill 1 would prohibit diversity and inclusion programs, jeopardise diversity scholarships, and limit classroom discussion, among other things.
The bill was passed by the Senate last month and is scheduled for a vote in the Ohio House Higher Education and Workforce Committee on Wednesday morning, which could lead to a full House vote as early as Wednesday afternoon.
Ohio University
Both university statements announcing event cancellations referenced the letter and “proposed State of Ohio legislation.”
“Ohio University is reviewing programming that includes elements that may not comply with the recent guidance,” the university stated in response to the women’s event. “When necessary, the University is placing events on hold to allow time to review program elements and reimagine events as and if necessary to ensure compliance.”
Campus on March 4, 2025. (Photo by Megan Henry for the Ohio Capital Journal).
“While this is difficult news to share, we remain committed to honouring the legacy and accomplishments of Ohio University’s Black alumni,” stated Terry Frazier and Jillian Causey, co-chairs of the Black Alumni Reunion Alumni Planning Committee.
“We will continue working with the University to develop a plan that aligns with evolving federal and state guidelines while preserving the significance of this gathering.”
Ohio University President Lori Stewart Gonzalez expressed her disappointment that the reunion had to be cancelled.
“In light of changes to federal and state guidance, we will need to think differently about some of the ways that we live out our mission and vision,” she said in an interview.
The Ohio University Celebrate Women Event has been taking place for nearly two decades and is intended to “promote and advance gender equity by recognising the past, present, and future achievements of women from diverse ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds,” according to the event page.
“We are disappointed that we must postpone this longstanding event, but we will remain committed to providing a space for accomplished women leaders to connect with and inspire our students, staff, and alumni,” said Ohio University Executive Vice President and Provost Don Leo.
“We deeply appreciate the sponsors involved who have helped make this event possible, and we look forward to partnering on future events.”
