This University communication outlines recent administrative actions that are mandated as a result of Senate Bill 1 becoming law in Ohio.
The Advance Ohio Higher Education Act, or Senate Bill 1, was passed by the Ohio Legislature, signed by the governor, and became law today, June 27, 2025. This law requires Ohio public universities to make numerous changes across their organizations. Some of those changes are required immediately, while others will be implemented over the upcoming academic year after receiving forthcoming guidance from the Ohio Department of Higher Education.
The law obligates university boards of trustees to take certain actions, and the Wright State University Board of Trustees passed a resolution at its public session on June 20, 2025, affirming compliance with the new law.
The resolution adopted by the Wright State Board of Trustees addressed several necessary policy changes and directed University administration to take specific actions to ensure compliance with the new state law. These actions include the discontinuation of Wright State’s Division of Inclusive Excellence and five cultural and identity centers: the Asian and Native American Center, the Bolinga Black Cultural Resources Center, the Latino Center, the LGBTQA Center, and the Women’s Center. As a result:
- As specifically required by the new law, the staff positions in these operations are being eliminated. University administration and Human Resources are actively working with those impacted by these changes.
- Operational oversight of and programming for the Disability and Neurodivergence Center, which was in the Division of Inclusive Excellence, will move to the Office of Disability Services.
- The areas previously occupied by the cultural and identity centers and the Division of Inclusive Excellence will become expanded space for Student Involvement and Leadership. These additional gathering spaces will enable students to connect with one another in new and meaningful ways that support community building, experiential learning, and personal growth.
We want to acknowledge the important work the cultural and identity centers have done for our students and the sense of belonging they fostered within our campus community. These changes are not a reflection of the value or significance of that work, but rather an obligation of the new legal requirements. Students who were active in the cultural and identity centers are encouraged to join the student-led organizations most closely aligned with their work. It’s important to note that the activities and events hosted by these student organizations will continue to be open to all members of the Wright State community and the supervision of all student organizations will remain with Student Involvement and Leadership in the Division of Student Affairs.
Members of the Wright State community are welcome to review the Advance Ohio Higher Education Act and the resources and timelines provided by the Ohio Department of Higher Education. Further actions by the Wright State Board of Trustees will be forthcoming as additional guidance is provided by the Ohio Department of Higher Education. Updates related to the University’s compliance with Senate Bill 1 will be posted on Wright State's website.
Please know Wright State will continue to empower all students to excel in their lives and chosen careers. As individuals and as members of the Wright State community, we will continue to positively transform the educational, economic, and social fabric of the communities we serve.
