Students sobbed as they spoke about the lifelines that are being ripped away from them. Alumni pounded the table demanding to know why the programs they fought to build are being erased. Senators raised their voices, not just in frustration, but in defiance.

And let us be absolutely clear: This is not just sadness. This is rage.

Rage at an administration that looks students in the eye and dares to call this a “restructuring.” Rage at the cowardice of leadership who would rather kneel to political pressure than stand for the students they claim to serve. Rage at the blatant, shameless destruction of the very programs that have made this university stronger, more inclusive, and more just.

They expect us to be demoralized. They expect us to accept this as a done deal. They are wrong.

Ohio State belongs to the students, not to politicians in Columbus. Not to wealthy donors who see diversity as an inconvenience. Not to an administration more interested in optics than actual student success. We are Ohio State.

And we are telling you that this ends now. We reject this decision. We reject the lie that this is about “efficiency.” We reject the idea that diversity, equity, and inclusion are expendable.

This administration had a choice. And they chose to gut the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. They chose to shut down the Center for Belonging and Social Change. They chose to throw marginalized students under the bus in exchange for political cover.

And now, we choose to fight.

If the administration thought we would roll over, they don’t know their students. If the state government thought we wouldn’t resist, they don’t know what it means to be a Buckeye. If they thought this decision would go unanswered, they do not understand the fire they have lit.

To President Carter and every administrator responsible for this disgrace: You have a choice.

This is not just anger. This is a movement. And we are just getting started.

Senator Ryan Poor

This is not about students. This is not about improving efficiency. This is about optics. It’s about bowing to political and financial pressures from those who want to see higher education stripped of any commitment to progress. It’s about making Ohio State palatable to those who see diversity as a threat and inclusion as an inconvenience. And if a few thousand students, many of whom relied on these offices for support, community, and opportunity, get left behind in the process? Well, that’s just collateral damage.

Our administration will try to spin this as a mere “restructuring” effort, insisting that Ohio State remains committed to “excellence” and “student success.” But let’s be real, removing dedicated resources for underrepresented students while throwing vague reassurances about modified scholarships and compliance offices is not a commitment to anything but the status quo. A status quo that ensures those in power stay in power, that funding pipelines remain uninterrupted, and that Ohio State remains on the good side of the people who would rather see universities scrubbed clean of DEI efforts altogether.

Students are not blind to what’s happening. We see through the empty justifications, the bureaucratic double-speak, and the performative concern for student wellbeing. This decision is not just disappointing, it is a betrayal of Ohio State’s stated values and a blatant abandonment of students who have long relied on these resources for support, advocacy, and empowerment.

To President Carter and the administration: If you truly believe in student success, then prove it. Reverse this decision. Listen to the students, faculty, and staff who are telling you, loudly, that this is wrong. Stand for something more than just political convenience. Because history will remember those who stood for progress, and those who stood in its way.

We will not forget. We will not let this go. And we will not stop fighting.

Senator Ryan Poor

It was an honor to welcome Congresswoman Joyce Beatty to the General Assembly tonight.

Her dedication to public service and advocacy for students is truly inspiring. Hearing her insights on leadership, civic engagement, and the importance of student voices in government was both enlightening and motivating. I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from her and appreciate her commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders.

Thank you for taking the time to speak with us and share your wisdom, Congresswoman

These reports shall “detail the makeup of the organization or constituency event, the topics of discussion, the date on which the event occurred, and the contact information for the primary leader of the group.”

In accordance with the bylaws, Senator Poor has submitted his constituency report for the Spring 2025 semester to Secretary Evans and, in an effort to remain transparent, has attached a copy of his report here: Constituency Report

As a member of the student body, I want to help affirm our collective commitment to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all students. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing safety concerns both on and off campus.

I encourage our community to come together to support Nathan in his recovery, whether through keeping him in our thoughts, offering assistance to his team, or engaging in broader conversations about campus safety. On behalf of the College of Education and Human Ecology, I extend my full support to Nathan, his family, and all those affected.

To the Ohio State community: let us continue to stand united and strong, providing care and compassion in times of need.

Senator Ryan Poor

These reports shall “detail the makeup of the organization or constituency event, the topics of discussion, the date on which the event occurred, and the contact information for the primary leader of the group.”

In accordance with the bylaws, Senator Poor has submitted his constituency report for the Autumn 2024 semester to Secretary Evans and, in an effort to remain transparent, has attached a copy of his report here: Constituency Report

This outcome would not have been possible without the relentless efforts of the media, the students, and USG. I want to especially thank Senators Migliore and Cade and University Senator Roy, whose determination spearheaded the charge on behalf of the student body. Their work, along with the dedication of the General Assembly, has been instrumental in pushing the university to act.

While this decision is progress, it highlights the need for better proactive measures to avoid situations like this in the future.

To the students who fought for change: this is a victory for you.

To the university: let this serve as a reminder of the importance of listening to student voices sooner rather than later.

Senator Ryan Poor

Reports of black mold and fungal growth inside rooms are deeply concerning. These are not mere inconveniences, but severe health hazards that put students at risk of both short and long-term health issues, some of which have already been reported by residents. Students deserve more than to be housed in an environment that endangers their wellbeing. Lawrence Tower, in its current condition, cannot and should not be used as student housing.

Ohio State has a fundamental obligation to ensure that those facilities are safe, sanitary, and conducive to students’ health and academic success. To continue operating Lawrence Tower as housing in its current state is to disregard this responsibility and to send a message that student welfare is not a priority.

The university must act upon the terms laid out in tonight’s resolution and work immediately to relocate all students to safe accommodations and conduct a thorough renovation and/or remediation of Lawrence Tower before it can be considered suitable for housing again.

Tonight, I join my fellow senators in the General Assembly in condemning the current state of Lawrence Tower and call upon the university to take swift and transparent action. We deserve a campus that supports, not jeopardizes, student health and success.

Senator Ryan Poor

I want everyone to know that, regardless of where you stand politically or how you feel about the outcome, your feelings are valid, and you are not alone. As Buckeyes, we are united by a shared commitment to academic and personal growth and respect for one another. Now, more than ever, is the time to show compassion and empathy for each other, recognizing that this time is difficult for many and we may each experience it in different ways.

If you are struggling mentally or emotionally during this time, please do not hesitate to reach out. I am here as a resource for anyone who needs someone to talk to, whether it’s to share your thoughts, to process your feelings, or simply to find a listening ear. In addition to myself, I encourage you to utilize the resources available through Ohio State’s Counseling and Consultation Services. These professionals are here to help us manage our mental health, especially during challenging times like these, offering counseling, mental health resources, and a confidential space to work through your feelings.

This is a moment to remember that, despite our differences, we are part of one family. We can each contribute to a college and campus environment that is inclusive, respectful, and grounded in care for each other’s well-being. I urge us all to approach each other with understanding, to listen deeply, and to lift each other up. We may not all agree on politics, but we can agree on the importance of kindness and support as we move forward together.

Thank you for being part of what makes our community resilient and thank you for the compassion I know we will continue to show one another.

Senator Ryan Poor

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