Ohio State's new policy restricts land acknowledgments
University policy draws criticism from American Indian Studies faculty
Faculty at Ohio State University can no longer make land acknowledgments unless they are directly tied to course subject matter, according to a new policy from the Office of University Compliance and Integrity. The change is one of several adopted in response to a state law passed in March that eliminates diversity, equity and inclusion offices at public universities, Inside Higher Ed reported.
The policy states that acknowledgments are “considered statements on behalf of an issue or cause” and cannot be used at university-sponsored events, in syllabi, on websites or through other official channels. Ohio State spokesperson Ben Johnson told Inside Higher Ed the policy “does not categorically prohibit land acknowledgements” and that faculty “retain their academic freedom” when relevant to class content. Faculty in the American Indian Studies program and members of the Ohio State AAUP have criticized the restrictions and sought clarification.
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