Dear Kent State University Faculty and Staff,
At Kent State, your voice matters!
Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to ask questions, share opinions and engage in open dialogue. To support this approach, the university has created the Campus Concerns Reporting page, a central place to share concerns or experiences you believe should be reported and evaluated. Ohio Senate Bill 1 (SB1), effective June 27, 2025, introduced new requirements for colleges and universities. Under this law, universities must remain neutral on controversial political and social issues while continuing to uphold academic freedom, intellectual diversity and free expression.
SB1 Complaint & Reporting Process
SB1 allows for complaints in the following areas:
- Free speech violations (applies to students, student groups and faculty) ORC 3342-5-23
- DEI-related prohibitions (applies to students, student groups and faculty) ORC § 3345.0217 & 3342-5-24
- Interference with intellectual diversity rights (applies to students, student groups, faculty and staff) ORC § 3345.0217 & 3342-5-24
- Violations of prohibited positions, programs, or activities (applies to students, student groups and faculty) ORC § 3345.88
Key Policy Highlights
Under University Policy 3342-5-24, Kent State will:
- Prohibit DEI offices, trainings or job descriptions referencing DEI unless legally exempt.
- Ensure intellectual diversity and protect students’ right to form their own conclusions.
- Restrict use of diversity statements in hiring, promotion or admissions.
- Assign enforcement roles to Division of Student Life, Division of People, Culture and Belonging and the Provost’s Office.
Faculty/Staff Resources and Support Services
- Campus Concerns Reporting: One-stop portal for SB1 matters, discrimination, harassment, Title IX and other grievance processes.
- Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance (EOC): Guidance on SB1 and other employment discrimination and harassment matters 330-672-2038 | compliance_equalopp@kent.edu
- Faculty/Staff Ombuds: Provides independent, neutral, informal and confidential service for faculty and staff.
- Freedom of Expression: Reporting links and resources for academic freedom.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): 24/7 confidential counseling and support for faculty and staff, AllOne Health at 1-800-227-6007
- Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS): Therapy, crisis intervention, and well-being support
- Kent State Police Services: 24-hour emergency and safety support.
Our Commitment
Kent State reaffirms its responsibility to educate through open inquiry, support intellectual growth, respect differences of opinion and provide equal opportunity for all members of our community. Together, we will ensure a campus defined by respect, freedom and opportunity for all.
Sincerely,
Division of Student Life
Division of People, Culture and Belonging
Office of Academic Affairs