OSU Closes DEI Offices, Restricts Conference Attendance Amidst Federal Probe
Ohio State University (OSU) has implemented several changes in response to political pressure, including closing its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) offices and restricting public land acknowledgments. The university has also revised its policy on funding faculty and student attendance at academic conferences, sparking debate and concern among researchers.
OSU's decision to close its DEI offices and limit public land acknowledgments comes amidst a federal investigation into allegations of racial discrimination at the university. The Trump administration's probe has prompted OSU to review its partnerships with external organizations, leading to the restriction of university funds for conference attendance.
The university has clarified its policy regarding the Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) conference. Faculty or students can now only use university funds to attend if they are presenting research or participating in sessions that advance their work. This change has been met with criticism from some professors, such as Pranav Jani, who argues that networking opportunities are vital for academic success.
OSU has also refunded the registrations of graduate students planning to attend the 2025 National Society of Black Physicists and National Society of Hispanic Physicists Joint Conference without explanation. None of the organizations hosting the conferences in question exclude participants based on race, ethnicity, or any other characteristic.
OSU's actions reflect the university's response to external pressure and a federal investigation. While the university aims to ensure that conference attendance aligns with research advancement, some faculty members express concerns about the impact of these restrictions on academic growth and networking opportunities.
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