Former and current Ohio University students are planning their next steps after the university paused the Black Alumni Reunion (BAR). In light of the news, Ohio University Black Alumni/Student Connection intends to host a virtual town hall meeting on March 9. The invitation to current and former students reads that organizers plan to discuss steps on moving forward and the attack on diversity in Ohio higher education.
In a statement from the 2025 BAR Planning Committee, organizers say the decision to cancel the more than 40-year tradition was made in light of the U.S. Department of Education’s Dear Colleagues Letter and the impending Ohio Senate Bill 1 (SB1).
The committee states in the letter, “This decision was not made lightly,” adding, “We are deeply saddened, disappointed, and disheartened to share this news.”
Ohio University BAR Showcases Black Excellence
At HBCUs, homecomings are large-scale celebrations that bring together alumni, current students, celebrities, and the surrounding community to celebrate Black excellence, Black history, Black culture, and Black pride. These events are often star-studded and filled with parades, tailgates, concerts, and more in the name of unity and resilience.
But at predominantly white institutions (PWIs for short), Black students and alumni have to get creative in creating these kinds of spaces. BAR at Ohio University does just that every three years. It celebrates prevailing at a university where representation is limited and isolation—from firsthand experience—can set in fast.
As of July 1, 2023, the U.S. Census Bureau shows that of the 62,700 residents in Athens, about 2.9%, or a little more than 1,800 residents, are Black. Black student enrollment at the university reflects the town’s population. In the same year, of the more than 20,000 students enrolled, only 1,1,20 or 5.3% were African American.
The cancellation of BAR has sent shockwaves of disappointment throughout the Bobcat community, both locally and nationally.
“This is tough because I look forward to Black Alumni Weekend,” OU alum Aaron Thomas tells BLACK ENTERPRISE. Thomas graduated in 2001 and remained in Athens. He’s planted roots as a resident and small business owner. He currently sits on the Athens Chamber of Commerce and says pausing the event will impact the local economy.
For most alumni who attend BAR, hotels and flights are booked years in advance since the event takes place every three years. BAR attracts thousands for the tri-annual event, contributing significantly to the local economy as people fill the hotels, restaurants, bars, and local bookstores with alum swag and souvenirs.
“This is more than just coming down here and being seen. It’s more than our gala and cookout,” Thomas adds. “This is something significant for current students to experience and talk to Black Alumni of the past […]. This hurts because now, more than ever, these students need to see Black alumni from Ohio University.”
As Thomas points out, BAR is not exclusively for Black students and alumni. It’s a way for everyone, regardless of race, to connect and network with Black alumni.
“It’s never been, ‘You can’t come to an event because you’re not Black,’” says Thomas. “The cookout and networking events have been open to everybody.”
How Ohio’s State Laws Are Dismantling Programs That Celebrate Diversity
On the national level, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights sent a directive warning educational institutions that they could lose federal funding if they continue with diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
There’s also a battle brewing on the state level in Ohio. Ohio Senate Republicans passed SB1, which single–handedly dismantles diversity, equity, and inclusion programs at the state’s 14 public universities and 23 public community colleges. The Ohio House of Representatives is now considering the bill.
If passed and signed by the governor, the bill will discontinue diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. It also bans faculty strikes, requires neutrality on controversial topics, and forces schools to eliminate low-enrollment majors.
Higher education institutions have already seen the fallout from the controversial bill and federal directives. The most prominent and notorious school in the Buckeye State, Ohio State University (OSU), recently closed two offices focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion and eliminated 16 staff positions, the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Thomas believes this is just the beginning.
“This bill could mean the end of the Multicultural Center at Ohio University and our other universities across the state,” Thomas adds. “But it’s not just programming that’s affected. It’s also faculty, staff, and resources. It could eliminate LGBTQ services and the Women’s Studies Center before the summer.”
Athens Greater Community Rallying Around Black Alumni Reunion
Since the news of Ohio University’s pause on BAR, Thomas says the Athens community, including Mayor Steve Patterson and local businesses, has rallied to support students and alumni.
While Ohio University cannot formally have its name on the event, community members and local businesses still want BAR celebrations to take place.
Despite the halt, some former students say they plan to travel to Athens, Ohio, for the original BAR celebration slated for April 10 -13th. The details on what BAR could look like for 2025 will likely be discussed on the March 9th virtual town hall.
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