The Future of MDJ at Kent State: How DEI Rollbacks and Press Restrictions Will Impact Students and Staff

Gavin Zivoder

Kent State University is a diverse public institution shaped by hardworking students and faculty. Regardless of skin color, birthplace, religious beliefs or gender identity, we have built a community that lifts each other in times of adversity.

On January 20, President Trump signed a series of executive orders aimed at eliminating what the White House is calling “wasteful government DEI programs and preferencing,” arguing that these initiatives were "illegal" and "immoral".

While thousands of federal employees have been unemployed by DEI rollbacks, the Ohio government has launched Senate Bill 1, a sweeping higher education overhaul, backed by Trump’s 14-day deadline to eliminate DEI programs in schools, threatened with funding cuts if schools do not comply.

As the bill waits for the Ohio House, students have voiced their concerns. From protests at Ohio University to students saying they will leave Ohio if this legislation puts public institutions like Kent State in hot water.

How This Affects the School of Media and Journalism and Kent State

For decades, Kent State has valued itself on free expression, diverse perspectives and inclusivity in education. Outside Taylor Hall, 55 years ago, four students were killed and nine were injured for actively using their First Amendment rights. 

In an institution built on the power of their students' voices, the limitations of freedom of speech have no home here.

“I will continue to support my students in whatever ways, they have full reign of their content,” Kent State Director of Student Media Katrina Chandler said. “I don’t need a law to tell me how to care for, involve or include somebody.”

The threat to eliminate DEI may have profound effects on both students and faculty across not just the School of Media and Journalism, but all disciplines at Kent State.

“I will say if a law is unethical and should not be followed, but I won’t be your president after I say that,” President Todd Daicon said.

If we continue using words associated with Trumps 'forbidden list’ such as ‘black,’ inequality,’ ‘LGBT,’ ‘disability’ or ‘women,’ could we also be putting ourselves at risk?

Can faculty ensure that students continue to have opportunities for fair and equal opportunities? What will happen to DEI-related job opportunities that were once a growing field within PR and corporate communications? Will MDJ need to adjust its curriculum to reflect a new era of anti-wokeness, or will it resist these changes?

All of this is still unknown, but one thing is for sure, Kent State will not abandon its core values.

“Our commitment remains steadfast: to ensure that all members of our community feel valued, supported and heard.” President Todd Daicon said in an email early last month.

Faculty and Student Concerns: What’s Next for Kent State?

For Kent State faculty, this presents an urgent dilemma. Either comply with the new restrictions or push back and risk losing funding. 

To ensure the shut down of diversity programs, Trump says he “will advance a measure to have them fined up to the entire amount of their endowment.” 

For students, the impact is both immediate and personal. Opportunities for accessible education, especially for those who have faced systemic oppression, may be limited.

“Black women, in particular, remain one of the most disrespected and marginalized groups in America. They have to constantly work hard to prove their worth in a patriarchal society while also combating racism and systemic oppression,” said Chania Crawford, a senior Kent State student and president of PRSSA Kent. “Without DEI, these barriers become even harder to overcome, leading to fewer academic and career-building opportunities.”

On behalf of PRSSA Kent, we have a deep connection to student activism and free speech. We will continue to support DEI programs and protect integrity and inclusivity.