COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Ohio State University launched an online resource for faculty, students and staff to provide information on legislative and executive actions. 

There have been many political actions affecting Ohio State and other educational institutions in recent weeks. President Donald Trump has signed several executive orders threatening funding for public universities with particularly active DEI programs, and the state has considered or implemented several further policies affecting education. 

In a letter to the Ohio State community, university President Walter “Ted” Carter and three other administrators said they have been hearing many questions about legislative actions, inspiring the new resource.

The letter also said the university is evaluating its work in diversity, equity and inclusion, in part by forming work groups to review jobs, duties and programming related to DEI. The university affirmed its commitment to being a welcoming environment but said it needed to be ready to follow state and federal mandates.

“These conversations can be difficult, particularly on a campus like ours where diversity of background and ideas is at the very heart of our mission. … At the same time, we believe it’s appropriate to be proactive given the policy discussions happening around us. As a public institution, we will always follow the laws and regulations that govern us,” The letter reads.

The new webpage includes guidance on federal and state policy, as well as links to university policies and resources. As of publication, the site offers some insight into how the university is handling federal research grant concerns, immigration law enforcement, Ohio’s return to office mandate and Senate Bill 104, which requires students to use school facilities that align with their sex at birth.

The website does not voice the university’s opinions on political matters. Rather, it outlines relevant information and explains actions the university is taking. For instance, the university shares no opinion on the state mandate to return to office, it just states it has independently confirmed this does not apply to universities and directs offices to continue as they are.

If the overviews do not cover users’ questions in full, there are also opportunities to seek more resources or contact university offices to ask follow-ups. The page even lists an email address for questions about enacted legislation and executive orders not addressed elsewhere on the site.

“Changes are almost certainly on the horizon, and the best way to manage change is to be prepared,” the letter said. “The proactive steps we are taking now will best position us to continue our work uninterrupted in ensuring that students, faculty and staff of all backgrounds can be successful at Ohio State.”

Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to check back to the page regularly, which also lists the date it was most recently updated.