To the editor:
ATHENS, OH – The Athens Justice Coalition (AJC) has released an official statement condemning Ohio University’s recent decision to place the 2025 Black Alumni Reunion and Celebrate Women 2025 events on hold due to “ongoing legislative change regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and programs.”
The 2025 Black Alumni Reunion is an important event that brings together Ohio University’s Black alumni to celebrate their accomplishments and honor the lasting impact of their contributions to the university and the broader community. Similarly, the Celebrate Women 2025 event is meant to promote gender equity by recognizing the achievements of women from diverse backgrounds and experiences, fostering inclusion and empowerment.
The AJC strongly condemns the university’s decision, which places these important events on hold under the pretext of assessing “evolving federal and state guidance.” This move reflects Ohio University’s willingness to surrender to reactionary political pressure and preemptively comply with pending legislation.
“The cancellation of the Black Alumni Reunion and Celebrate Women 2025 underscores the sweeping harm of SB 1, which not only targets racial justice efforts but also directly attacks women, LGBTQ+ people, veterans, and other historically marginalized groups,” said the AJC in its statement. “By abandoning events dedicated to diversity and inclusion, Ohio University is reinforcing the regressive and exclusionary aims of SB 1 and is sending the harmful and unconscionable message to the world that the voices, experiences, contributions, and celebrations of marginalized communities are disposable.”
The AJC also expressed concern over President Lori Stewart Gonzalez’s comments regarding “reimagining” the events in response to these legislative changes, calling the university’s actions deeply troubling. “Ohio University should not preemptively comply with legislation that threatens core values such as anti-racism, feminism, equality, freedom of expression, and democracy,” the AJC statement continued. “What good will federal funding do if Ohio University reverts into a white supremacist, sexist, and homophobic institution? Instead, Ohio University should be steadfast in supporting marginalized communities and speaking out against the rise of fascism and government overreach.”
The AJC calls on Ohio University to immediately reverse its decision and ensure that both the 2025 Black Alumni Reunion and Celebrate Women 2025 events proceed as originally planned. The Coalition urges the university to demonstrate moral courage and leadership by standing strong in support of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and to take a firm stance against political and legislative actions that threaten these values.
“We remind the university that fascism does not reward compliance,” the AJC concluded. “The Athens Justice Coalition stands in solidarity with Ohio University’s Black students, women, LGBTQ+ community members, veterans, alumni, faculty, staff, and all those working to ensure that our educational institutions remain inclusive, equitable, and just.”
About The Athens Justice Coalition
The Athens Justice Coalition is a community-based organization committed to promoting racial, gender, and social justice through advocacy, education, and activism. The Coalition strives to challenge systems of oppression, build solidarity, and create positive change for marginalized communities in Athens and beyond.
For media inquiries, please contact:
The Athens Justice Coalition
athensjusticecoalition@proton.me / @athens_justice_coalition on Instagram
