Shayla L. Davis
Feb 24, 2025
Ohio Court Forces DeWine to Claim $900M in Unpaid Pandemic Relief
After refusing to secure $900 million in federal pandemic unemployment funds in 2021, Governor Mike DeWine is now being forced by the courts to claim the money. A class-action lawsuit revealed that thousands of Ohioans were denied the relief they were entitled to, and now the state has no choice but to correct that failure.
What This Means for Ohioans
DeWine turned down $900M in federal aid meant to help struggling Ohioans during the pandemic.
A lawsuit proved that decision hurt people, leaving many without critical support when they needed it most.
The court ruled that Ohio must claim the funds and get them to those who were wrongly denied assistance.
Ohioans shouldn’t have to fight this hard for what was already theirs. This is exactly why accountability matters. We’ll be watching to make sure these funds reach the people who need them. Will you?
The Hidden Crackdown on DEI in Research—What It Means for You
Reports suggest that federal agencies—including the National Science Foundation (NSF)—are quietly flagging or discouraging the use of words related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in grant proposals. This raises serious concerns, as it shows that this administration is continuing efforts to shut down DEI initiatives—even in critical research.
What’s Being Flagged?
Based on scientist testimonies and media reports, these words may now be considered problematic in federal research funding applications:
Race & Ethnicity: Black, BIPOC, Hispanic communities, Systemic, Socioeconomic
Gender & Identity: Female, Women, Transgender, Gender identity, LGBTQ+
Equity & Social Issues: Diversity, Equity, Racial, Inclusion, Bias, Marginalized
Health & Trauma: Trauma, Mental health, Disability, Public health disparities
This means critical research on racial disparities, gender equity, and public health is basically being shut down—and we cannot afford to allow this to go unchecked. Stay informed and speak out on matters that impact our communities. Stay informed and speak out on matters. Are you paying attention? SILENCE IS VIOLENCE!
SB 1: The Facts They Don’t Want You to Know
Ohio lawmakers just rammed through Senate Bill 1 (SB 1), a direct attack on diversity, equity, and inclusion, faculty rights, and academic freedom in our public universities. Even though more than 800 Ohioans submitted testimony against it—compared to just 14 in support—Republicans ignored the overwhelming opposition and passed the bill anyway. They called those numbers “irrelevant.”
From now on, we will no longer use the acronym DEI because it has been used to desensitize and water down the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in education, workplaces, and policymaking. We will say the full name every time because this fight is too critical to reduce to three letters.
FICTION: SB 1 is about improving Ohio’s higher education system.
FACT: SB 1 isn’t about education—it’s about power and control. It bans diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, limits classroom discussions on race and social issues, and hands politicians more authority over what is taught in universities.
FICTION: SB 1 won’t really impact Black students.
FACT: The bill puts diversity, equity, and inclusion scholarships at risk, weakens programs designed to help Black students succeed, and restricts conversations about systemic racism, immigration, and gender equality. The message is clear: they don’t want Black students to have the resources and representation they deserve.
FICTION: SB 1 is what Ohioans wanted.
FACT: Ohioans didn’t ask for this—Republican lawmakers did. More than 800 people testified against this bill, while only 14 people supported it. Instead of listening to the people, legislators rushed it through the Senate anyway.
FICTION: SB 1 protects free speech in universities.
FACT: This bill does the exact opposite. It creates new rules around so-called “controversial beliefs” and limits what faculty can say in classrooms. This isn’t about free speech—it’s about censorship. Black Lawmakers Pushed Back Black legislators who have been fighting for diversity, equity, and inclusion in education from day one
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Senator Catherine Ingram (D-Cincinnati) has consistently fought for education equity and ensuring Black students have access to quality education.
Senator Hearcel Craig (D-Columbus) has been vocal about protecting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that uplift Black communities.
Senator Paula Hicks-Hudson (D-Toledo) has been a strong advocate for historically marginalized communities and ensuring higher education remains accessible.
Senator Willis Blackshear Jr. (D-Dayton) continues to fight against policies that harm Black students and strip away voter input in education decisions.
Why This Matters
SB 1 is part of a larger national effort to gut diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, silence conversations about race, and push political agendas into our education system. This bill will hurt Black students, LGBTQ+ students, and every student who relies on inclusive policies and support programs to succeed.
We cannot afford to sit back and let this happen. Stay informed. Speak out. Hold these lawmakers accountable.
Call your Senators and Representatives who support this bill: https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/members/district-maps