Institutional Resilience and Sustainable Development Amid Political Scrutiny

A report on comments by Ohio State University (OSU) President Ted Carter details the institution’s navigation of political and financial pressures, highlighting its commitment to governance and its contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Navigating Federal Inquiries and Upholding Inclusive Education (SDG 4, SDG 10)

Response to Federal Investigations

Ohio State University is reportedly under federal investigation for alleged antisemitic practices and for its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, which are being scrutinized as potential violations of the Civil Rights Act. These investigations place the university’s commitment to key SDGs under a microscope.

• SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): The investigation into diversity policies directly challenges institutional efforts to reduce inequalities and ensure an equitable environment for all students and faculty.
• SDG 4 (Quality Education): The scrutiny impacts the university’s ability to foster an inclusive and equitable quality education, a primary target of SDG 4.

President Carter stated he feels minimal pressure, suggesting OSU’s inclusion on the investigation list is a holdover from previous inquiries. He affirmed the university’s willingness to cooperate with the Office of Civil Rights and expressed confidence in its handling of campus protests, which adhered to established institutional rules.

Research, Partnerships, and Contributions to Global Goals (SDG 3, SDG 8, SDG 17)

Financial Standing and Research Impact

Despite the political climate and funding freezes at peer institutions, President Carter reported that OSU’s research enterprise remains robust and continues to grow, directly supporting several SDGs.

1. Significant Funding: The university generated $1.6 billion in research revenue last year.
2. Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17): A critical partnership with the federal government provides $775 million of this funding, largely from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF).
3. Limited Financial Impact: While some grants in the “tens of millions of dollars” have been impacted, the amount is minor relative to the total research budget.
4. Sustained Growth: Research revenue is up approximately 7% compared to the previous year.

Aligning Research with Sustainable Development

The university’s research initiatives are directly aligned with advancing global sustainability and well-being.

• SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): President Carter emphasized research aimed at creating a “cancer-free world” and work that serves to “extend and save and change lives.”
• SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): The research arm provides employment for 14,000 faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and students, functioning as a significant engine for economic growth and decent work.
• Broader Societal Impact: Research extends to advancements in agriculture (supporting SDG 2: Zero Hunger) and law enforcement (supporting SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

Governance, Transparency, and Institutional Integrity (SDG 16)

Institutional Stance on External Pressures

President Carter contrasted OSU’s position with that of other institutions facing more severe consequences, stating that OSU is not in “survival mode.” He asserted that the university’s focus remains on its core mission.

Commitment to Transparency and Accountability

As a public institution, OSU is committed to transparency and accountability, principles central to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). President Carter highlighted that the university’s operations are open to public view, reinforcing its role as an accountable institution. He concluded that by “doing the right things for the right reasons,” the university will maintain its institutional integrity and continue to fulfill its educational and research objectives in alignment with global development goals.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 4: Quality Education

  The article is centered on a higher education institution, Ohio State University (OSU), discussing its operations, funding, and policies. It touches upon the core function of universities in providing education and conducting research, which is central to SDG 4.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

  The article heavily emphasizes OSU’s role as a major research hub. President Carter details the university’s significant research funding, the large number of researchers, and the real-world impact of their innovation in fields like medicine (“cancer-free world”), agriculture, and law enforcement, directly aligning with SDG 9’s focus on fostering innovation and enhancing scientific research.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  The core conflict described in the article involves investigations into OSU for alleged “antisemitic practices” and for “failing to end diversity policies.” These issues are directly related to ensuring non-discrimination and promoting inclusion for all, which are key principles of SDG 10.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

  The article discusses the university’s governance, its response to government investigations, and its commitment to transparency. President Carter’s statements about complying with state law, being transparent, and standing behind their actions relate to building effective, accountable, and transparent institutions as outlined in SDG 16.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 4: Quality Education

   • Target 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.

     The entire article discusses the challenges and operations of a major university (OSU), an institution of tertiary education. The financial pressures and policy disputes mentioned could potentially impact the quality and accessibility of the education it provides.

   • Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including…promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity…

     The investigation into OSU for “antisemitic practices” and its diversity policies directly relates to the university’s role in fostering an environment that appreciates cultural diversity and promotes a culture of peace and non-violence on campus.

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries…

     This is explicitly addressed when President Carter highlights OSU’s research prowess: “Our research funding here at Ohio State has grown leaps and bounds… Our revenues last year were $1.6 billion… we’re proceeding to ask for more grants so that we can be a cancer-free world here in our lifetime.” This demonstrates a direct commitment to enhancing scientific research.

3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices…

     The article states that OSU is being investigated for “antisemitic practices and policies on campus” and for “failing to end diversity policies,” which “could be a violation of the Civil Rights Act.” This directly engages with the theme of eliminating discriminatory policies and ensuring equal opportunity.

4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.

     President Carter’s statement addresses this target directly: “We’re a public institution, so that means we’re going to be transparent and put out everything that we do so the state of Ohio, the people and the entire country can see it.”

   • Target 16.b: Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development.

     The context of the investigation, which cites a potential “violation of the Civil Rights Act,” and the discussion around antisemitism and diversity policies, connects directly to the enforcement of non-discriminatory laws and policies.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • Implied Indicator (related to 9.5.1: Research and development expenditure as a proportion of GDP): The article provides specific financial data that serves as a micro-level indicator of research expenditure. President Carter states OSU’s research revenues were “$1.6 billion” last year, with “$775 million of that came from the federal government.” He also notes that research revenue is “still up in our research revenue about 7% from where we were last year.”
   • Implied Indicator (related to 9.5.2: Researchers (in full-time equivalent) per million inhabitants): The article provides a direct count of the number of researchers at the institutional level. Carter mentions, “we have a significant research arm here, 14,000 faculty, post doc students, that do the research here.” This figure can be used as a measure of research capacity.

2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

   • Implied Indicator (related to 16.6.2: Proportion of population satisfied with their last experience of public services): While not a direct measure, President Carter’s emphasis on transparency (“we’re going to be transparent and put out everything that we do”) is a mechanism intended to build public trust and satisfaction with the university as a public institution. The university’s willingness to “talk to anybody from the Office of Civil Rights” also implies a commitment to accountability, which is a factor in public satisfaction.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: kyma.com