Support Higher Education
Higher education is under attack for a multitude of reasons. Financial strain, political interference and Artifical Intelligence (AI) are just a few of the struggles facing our colleges and universities today. Get yourself highly educated here on higher education.
Why does it matter?
Higher eduation in the United States is revered around the globe. Our colleges and universities are part of the cultural fabric that shape our cities and towns. Undeniably, they are one of the reasons for America’s ascension after World War II. However, over the last several decades, their mission and processes have been questioned because of ideology, ability to produce “work-ready” graduates and skyrocketing costs.
Read this two-part series, which offers an opinion about the history of our higher education systems and why conservatives have long sought change within the system.
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How have things changed since January 2025?
The administration's efforts have focused on freezing federal funding for colleges and universities. The aim is to ensure that schools are aligning with government directives, most notably ensuring that all Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives are eliminated. Funding is also being withheld from universities and colleges that are allowing free speech and protests. These funding freezes can also affect student aid, which is often need-based. Drastic cuts to funding for university research, including cuts to the NIH (National Institutes of Health), have sent the message that universities must “allow the government to micro-manage your institution’s affairs or jeopardize your institutions ability for medical breakthroughs, scientific discoveries, and innovative solutions.”
This article details a timeline of Trump’s crackdown on higher education.
Furthermore, there is an intense debate on AI within higher education. The Trump administration’s plan is to take funding from the schools and move it to AI. This funding would be cut from grants, which pay for campus labs, research projects and graduate student funding. The administration cites that this policy aims to speed up technology development and beat China in the global AI race, while critics say that these efforts have weakened science and that this sudden shift in funding hurts academic research systems.
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How can you take action in Ohio?
1) Sign this ACLU petition supporting free speech on campus.
2) Voting matters. For students on campus during elections, ensure you have a voting plan whether it is going home on election day or mailing-in an absentee ballot.
3) Students, help educate others about voting! There are many student and young adult organizations doing this work. Here are a few:
Campus Vote Project NextGen America
4) If you are faculty or staff at a higher educational institution, join Organize Every Campus which is supported by the American Association of University Professors (AAUP).
5) Donate to AAUP Foundations Legal Defense Fund which supports faculty members in cases that address academic freedom. The AAUP has been vocal especially when university administrations have been timid to address the assault on higher education.
6) The Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration is an organization that supports policies that open the American higher education system to immigrant communities. Two priorities are fostering an environment for Dreamers to enter America’s university system and expanding America’s talent pipeline to spur innovation.
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What’s happening in Ohio?
Ohio Senate Bill (SB1) went into effect November 2025. It is a law that bans most diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. SB1 also mandates that professors allow students to come to their own conclusions on “controversial beliefs and policies” such as climate change and immigration. The law’s effects are still being understood but some have been more immediate.
Ohio universities are also affected by the research grants cut by the administration.
The One Big Beautiful Bill overhauled financial aid for students, which will likely increase college costs and debts owed for middle and low-income students.
Here and here are examples of how Ohio Universities are embracing and struggling with AI.