Legislative Updates and Resources

Ohio Senate Bill 1 (SB1), enacted by the 135th General Assembly, introduces significant changes to the governance and operations of public higher education institutions in the state. The legislation restructures the Ohio Department of Education and outlines new requirements for institutional neutrality, curriculum transparency, and the prohibition of certain diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. SB1 mandates that colleges and universities adopt policies that align with these provisions and submit annual reports to the state. The bill also establishes disciplinary measures for employees who authorize or participate in activities that violate its terms.

For more information, visit the Ohio Legislature’s SB1 page or the Ohio Department of Higher Education’s SB1 resource hub.

In early 2025, the federal administration issued a series of executive orders that significantly impact higher education institutions. These directives include the termination of federal diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) programs; the rescission of prior executive orders related to racial equity, gender identity protections, and environmental justice; and new mandates around institutional transparency, accreditation, and foreign funding disclosures. These changes are part of Executive Order No. 14151, titled “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.”

In addition, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights released a “Dear Colleague” letter that expands the interpretation of the Supreme Court’s 2023 affirmative action ruling. The letter declares all race-conscious student programs and financial aid illegal and threatens to withdraw federal funding from institutions not in compliance within 14 days. This directive has prompted widespread concern and legal scrutiny across the higher education sector 

Tri-C is actively reviewing these developments and assessing their implications for college operations, academic programming, and student services. Tri-C remains committed to transparency and compliance, and will continue to update the community as more guidance becomes available.

Read the Dear Colleague Letter here.

View all the 2025 Donald J. Trump Executive Orders here.

Jun. 5, 2025 - Town Hall Committee Report Out Presentation

View the policy committee presentation here.

Feb. 19, 2025 - Email to All Faculty and Staff

Dear Tri-C Family,

From time to time, my office will send out action and advocacy updates as important news arises from federal and state legislative actions.

For example, on Feb. 14, the U.S. Department of Education released a “Dear Colleague” letter outlining the obligations of schools and other federally funded institutions as it pertains to preventing discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin.

As with all communications that come from our government leaders, Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®) is carefully reviewing this latest guidance and working to ensure that all policies and practices comply with the law.

Please know that we remain committed to providing access to education for all in our region who seek it, regardless of their race, culture, background or any other defining trait or characteristic.

Our belief as an institution is that all of society benefits when everyone has a path to gain knowledge and pursue their life’s goals. We will continue to operate with that foundational belief as our guiding star while aligning with all legal requirements at the federal, state and local levels.

To assist us in this effort, we have created an Institutional Clarity Initiative with the goal of continuing to ensure that our policies align with our purpose, helping us to stay true to our mission of providing high-quality, accessible and affordable educational opportunities and services that promote individual development and improve the overall quality of life in our community.

As part of this initiative, we have formed two teams:

The Academic and Workforce Policy team, co-chaired by EVP of AL&S & Provost Dr. Karen Miller and EVP of Workforce Innovation Shana Marbury, which will ensure that academic policies, faculty workload expectations and curriculum align with compliance mandates while maintaining institutional integrity and faculty engagement.

The Governance and Institutional Compliance team, co-chaired by EVP & Treasurer David Kuntz and EVP & Chief Strategy Officer India Pierce Lee, which will establish policies that align with compliance while ensuring transparency, institutional autonomy and inclusive governance.

This is a dynamic situation as new guidance continues to arrive from our federal leaders. Our College’s entire leadership team, including myself, understands your concerns in this time of transition. We know, over time, legislative actions are subject to change; however, what must not change is our commitment to our students, our community, and each other.

We appreciate your dedication and devotion to Tri-C and our students, and fully support each of you in the important work you do each day.

We will continue to provide updates as new developments emerge.

Sincerely,
Michael Baston
President

Jan. 30, 2025 - Town Hall Panel Discussion

Jan. 29, 2025 - Email to All Faculty and Staff

SUBJECT: Important Updates: Federal Funding and FAQ on ICE Presence at Tri-C

Colleagues,

I wanted to address some of the recent executive orders and directives from the current administration that could impact higher education.

The College has a team that has been following these developments and assessing their potential impact on programs, faculty, staff and students.

Federal funding and student financial aid

This week, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) authorized a temporary pause on federal grants, loans and other financial assistance programs, pending a review of each program’s alignment with the policies and requirements of the current administration.

As of this communication, the scope and impact of the federal funding pause are not entirely clear. However, the U.S. Department of Education has assured the College that funding for Federal Student Aid — including Pell Grants, student loans, Work-Study and SEOG — will not be impacted.

The pause on federal funding was originally set to take effect at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 28, until a federal judge placed it on hold until Monday, Feb. 3.

FAQ: ICE presence on Tri-C property

I also want to share important information regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and its potential presence on College property. To support our faculty, staff and students, the College has created an FAQ to address common questions and concerns. This resource outlines your rights, available support services and the College’s commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment.

Read the FAQ here.

We understand and share your concerns about this shifting situation and know that broad actions like these can create uncertainty and confusion, especially within the higher education community.

Please know the College is fully committed to supporting our students, employees and community members. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

The College communicated information about financial aid and ICE presence to students in separate emails sent yesterday and today.

If you need mental health and wellness assistance during this time, I encourage you to contact our employee assistance program for support and guidance. Counseling services are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Sincerely, 
Michael A. Baston, J.D., Ed.D. 
President