Overview

• Ohio State confirmed it advised resident advisors to keep public-area decorations and welcome events centered on Ohio State spirit themes.
• Spokesperson Dave Isaacs said Senate Bill 1 was "certainly a factor" in the shift, noting the law limits DEI activities and bars public universities from endorsing controversial policies.
• The guidance extends to move-in events, including buckeye-necklace making, mug decorating, and residence-hall photo booths with scarlet backdrops and Buckeye cutouts.
• Students and alumni criticized the narrower themes as curbing creativity and expression, contrasting them with past motifs such as Mario Kart, Bratz, and climate change.
• Separately, updated campus signage rules now prohibit sidewalk chalk, which the university said followed continued complaints.