Senate Bill 1 was signed into Ohio law on March 28. It states that public universities cannot maintain diversity, equity and inclusion offices, and ends requirements for DEI training. As a public institution, Wright State University would be one of the many universities affected. Due to the law's vagueness, many have questioned what aspects of WSU student life will be impacted, but the Student Government Association stepped up to resolve this matter as much as it can right now.
The resolution
SGA resolution 24-07 is entitled "SGA Resolution to Protect Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Wright State." It details some of the problems that students are facing and then proposes solutions to resolve the issues.
"Students of all identities — including first-generation students, students of color, LGBTQ+ students, students with disabilities and others from historically underrepresented communities — benefit from DEI structures that affirm identity, expand access and promote success," the resolution reads.
The resolution describes how SB 1 limits the freedom of students.
"SGA urges university leadership to remain committed to student belonging and success, and to actively seek guidance and collaboration with legal counsel and peer institutions to uphold [WSU]’s values while navigating the implementation of SB 1; and be it further resolved, that this resolution stands as a formal expression of student support for inclusive practices, academic freedom and access to a university experience that reflects equity, diversity and respect for all," the resolution concludes.
The resolution specifies that SGA supports DEI practices to be held to as much of a degree as they are permitted under the law.
Madisyn Crabtree is the Director of Internal Affairs for SGA. In addition to this role, Crabtree is a leader in many spaces on WSU campus, having recently won a Senior Leader Award at the 2025 Student Leadership Awards.
Crabtree sponsored this resolution, taking it upon herself to write it. She also gave a statement regarding her intentions, sharing that it is a response to protect students from the recent legislation.
"As the author of Resolution 24-07, my goal is to ensure that students have a voice in the face of decisions that directly impact our access to equitable and inclusive support. While I ultimately hope to see change at the state and federal level—where legislation like Senate Bill 1 originates—I recognize that such systemic shifts require time, collaboration, and efforts far beyond this resolution. Still, I believe student advocacy is powerful, and this resolution is one way to speak up for the values that shape a meaningful college experience," Crabtree said.
Seven other members of SGA co-sponsored this resolution, meaning the majority of the members were already advocating for this resolution to be passed.
SGA's Vote
On Wednesday, April 16, SGA voted on the resolution at their weekly meeting. Having all read the resolution, each member was familiar with it and with the intentions behind it.
AJ Allen is the Director of Student Affairs in SGA and was one of the co-sponsors on this resolution. She is a psychology major graduating this semester.
"I think it's important that we recognize the value of diversity, equity and inclusion practices. We're in a time where that is severely undervalued, and I think that this resolution is a representation of our stance on that issue," Allen said.
The resolution represents SGA's commitment to protecting DEI, as does the unanimous vote that passed it, making it official WSU law.
"We still don't understand what the impact of the legal issues at the state and federal level are going to have on the university. I really hope to see that by taking the stand and stating that we don't believe that this is an appropriate solution. I hope that can help send that message and hopefully impact some policy," Allen said.
While there are still a lot of unknowns surrounding the effects that SB 1 will have on WSU, it is reassuring to know that SGA is thoroughly committed to supporting every student.
Future of DEI at WSU
While it is still unknown how SB 1 will impact daily life, students can rest assured that WSU will do what it can to continue supporting DEI.
"I hope to see [WSU] take action within the bounds of the law to preserve and strengthen the support systems students rely on—especially those from historically underrepresented communities. That means exploring every lawful and creative avenue to continue [DEI] efforts and standing publicly in support of student belonging, access, and academic freedom. I also hope our university will actively advocate at the state level and collaborate with peer institutions facing similar challenges," Crabtree said.
However, with Allen, Crabtree and much of SGA graduating this semester, it is important to look to next year's SGA members.
Shloka Ravinuthala is the current College of Engineering and Computer Science Senator and will be sworn in as SGA's President soon. Ravinuthala was one of the many sponsors of the resolution as well, and shared how she plans to honor it during her presidency.
"We're making sure that our students are being seen and heard. And if you want something to be passed or done from the student government level, we're here to do that for you," Ravinuthala said.
When asked what the resolution means to her, our future SGA President shared which aspects stick out to her in particular.
"Being a woman of color, DEI is very important to me as my parents are immigrants in this country, so I see individuals in the same position as me, and I want to make sure that they're represented. And this not only translates to people of color, it translates to disabled individuals and also just individuals who may be from different socioeconomic backgrounds. So, having that concept of equity is very important to me, making that difference between equality and equity, because equity is ensuring that everybody's given the same opportunities as everyone. So if a disabled student needs something that's different than an abled student, then they should get what they need so that they're able to function and operate just at the same level," Ravinuthala said.
"So when [Crabtree] introduced this resolution, I knew that it was very important for the students, and being at a very diverse university as well, we want to encourage those community students to feel like they're comfortable."
DEI is important to many students for reasons that vary between individuals, so seeing DEI efforts as a whole protected at WSU is a positive thing for the community.
"Ultimately, protecting DEI efforts isn’t just about values—it’s about directly supporting Wright State’s priorities around recruitment, retention, and relationships. When students feel seen, supported, and empowered, the entire campus community is stronger for it," Crabtree said.
DEI is important to all aspects of life, inside and outside WSU. Students should be encouraged to see our SGA support it so vigorously.
