University students are making their voices heard at The Ohio State University, amidst conversations surrounding the Trump administration’s dismantling of the Department of Education, and Ohio Senate Bill 1 which would overhaul higher education policies.

On Tuesday afternoon, OSU students took to the Oval, speaking out against the university’s preemptive compliance with both federal and state initiatives to rollback public education. They demanded that their right to a holistic and quality education not be infringed upon nor politicized, and that their constitutionally-protected civil liberties be respected. 

One specific initiative called out by students was the creation of the Salmon P. Chase Center within the John Glenn College, against the will of the University Senate. This is yet another instance of the Ohio State legislature putting its finger on the scale with public universities, mandating its creation through 2023 Senate Bill 117. 

Following OSU President Ted Carter’s announcement last month that the University will discontinue its Office of Diversity and Inclusion, students and faculty have publicly expressed their discontent and concern that OSU is heading away from the interests of its communities. 

Ohio’s history with student protest must not be forgotten–civil liberties remain the bedrock for public universities, and all attempts to strip away individual freedoms must be met with fierce opposition. University students across Ohio will continue to stand up and speak out for their rights to free speech and an unbiased education.