University of Toledo Interim President Matt Schroeder attended the student government (UTSG) meeting and took questions from students on Tuesday, Feb. 25 as higher education faces major changes.
Schroeder took questions for about an hour.
Ohio Senate Bill 1 (SB 1) was a leading topic at the meeting. The bill would prohibit faculty strikes, regulate what universities and professors can say about topics the state considers controversial, and abolish diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts in higher education, among other things.
The bill passed through the Ohio Senate after over 800 testimonies in opposition and 14 in support, and now is in the Ohio House Committee for Workforce and Higher Education. Read more about the bill and track its progress here.
Students expressed their dissatisfaction with UT for not having released a statement regarding the possible changes to the University if SB 1 passes. Questions were raised about why UT has remained silent about the possible elimination of DEI in particular.
“What statement would you like us to make?” Schroeder asked. The student responded by naming the schools in Ohio that have released a statement.
“I’m here tonight, I support you," Schroeder responded. "If I need to put that in writing, I’ll put that in writing. I would find it interesting if you could show me a President who is showing up at a student meeting about this topic at all.”
Schroeder indicated that the University is waiting until there is more information about the possible changes before releasing a statement.
Another issue students brought to Schroeder came after Toledo men’s basketball hosted Bowling Green on national TV in the Battle of I-75 rivalry. What took place off the court was a hot topic on social media after the game.
Members of the Black Student Union (BSU) used their Rowdy Row screen time to hold up signs that said, “we will be heard,” “our voice IS power,” and “inclusion over exclusion,” among other things. Schroeder said he did not notice the signs at the game, but after the meeting, told The Collegian that he is proud of the students for protesting in a peaceful manner.
The University of Toledo official Instagram posted pictures of those students holding signs with the logo and name of Dave's Hot Chicken, one of UToledo's preferred business partners. Many comments criticized UToledo for selecting photos of BSU holding the sponsored signs rather than the protest signs.
"They held up signs about inclusion," one comment said, "which is what all UT’s emails say: that we are an INCLUSIVE university. Let’s show it!"
“The blatant disrespect towards black students is disgusting. Students have the right to speak their minds,” another reply read.
“Question to this group,” Schroeder said, referring to the students that brought the issue to his attention at the meeting. “I know people take heat when they pull stuff down, so I’m going to follow up, are we good with the University taking that post down?”
Students nodded in agreement. As of March 10, the posts have not been deleted off Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.
“Whatever the future looks like, we have to create a safe and welcoming campus, and if someone doesn’t feel safe, it is on administration to figure out why and address it,” Schroeder said.
At the end of the meeting, Schroeder said he is happy to attend future UTSG meetings.
