Ohio School Faculty Explore Defense Compacts Amid Rising Government Restrictions: What It Means for Education

Faculty at Ohio universities are banding together in response to what they see as threats to education. This movement began under the Trump administration, which pressured higher education institutions to disband Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs and restrict pro-Palestinian protests in the name of combating antisemitism. Such actions included freezing research grants that many universities rely on.

In Ohio, Senate Bill 1 is set to take effect soon. Supporters claim it prevents discrimination at public colleges by banning DEI programs. However, many faculty members argue it aims to stifle differing opinions.

In March, faculty at Rutgers University created the Big Ten Mutual Defense Compact. This initiative allows member schools to share strategies and resources to safeguard academic freedom. Nearly all Big Ten university senates, including Ohio State’s, have joined. Jill Galvan, an associate professor at OSU, emphasized the shared challenges faced by universities today.

Miami University’s Rodney Coates took inspiration from the Big Ten and proposed a similar defense compact for schools in the Mid-American Conference, which includes several Ohio institutions. While no MAC schools have faced federal investigations yet, Coates believes it’s only a matter of time. He argued that preparation is crucial.

Coates stated, “You don’t wait until you’re attacked to prepare for battle.” He believes this movement needs a concrete plan, not just declarations.

Not every school supports these compacts. Some faculty senates, like Purdue’s, did not endorse them. Additionally, gaining support from university leadership can be even more challenging. For example, Ohio State and Miami recently closed their DEI offices despite faculty pushback, opting instead to hire conservative scholars to lead new centers focused on intellectual diversity. These centers are presented as a means to promote free speech and address perceived liberal biases in curricula.

Nathan French, from Miami’s Faculty Senate, underscored the dual responsibility leadership has: to secure funding while advocating for faculty and students. Some administrations have expressed concerns that joining defense funds could be legally problematic, complicating the push for collective action.

Coates warned that yielding to government pressures might only invite more demands. As the new school year approaches, he hopes for a united front, giving faculty and students renewed confidence in their institutions.

### Insights from Experts
A recent survey by the American Association of University Professors found that nearly 70% of faculty members feel their academic freedom is under threat. This statistic underscores the urgent need for institutions to find ways to support their educators.

### A Historical Perspective
Historically, academic institutions have often been battlegrounds for political ideologies. In the 1960s, universities faced similar challenges regarding civil rights and free speech. The current situation echoes those past struggles, highlighting a recurring tension between political influence and educational autonomy.

As colleges navigate these turbulent waters, they must consider the importance of protecting academic freedom and fostering an environment where diverse viewpoints can thrive. The conversation surrounding these defense compacts may just be the start of a much-needed re-evaluation of the role of universities in society today.



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