An Ohio State University administrator was recorded on hidden camera stating that the university’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs continue to operate despite a state and federal ban. The administrator acknowledged concerns about funding but said the university has circumvented those limits through corporate grants, including funding from Apple.
The investigation was conducted by Accuracy in Media (AIM). Melissa Newhouse, Executive Administrative Assistant for the Office of the Dean at Ohio State, met with an AIM investigator posing as the father of a prospective student.
When asked whether his child would still be exposed to DEI-related programming, Newhouse confirmed that such initiatives remain in place but said departments and centers have been renamed to comply with state law.
“Because of the law, we had to change signs and centers,” Newhouse said.
She further raised racial objections to some of the changes, stating, “The ‘whites’ are there too, not just the underrepresented. They brought the people with the privilege there too.”
Noting that the university’s Multicultural Center has been renamed the “Common Center,” Newhouse claimed that the change had been made because legislators “want American white people to be in there.”
Newhouse also acknowledged concerns about state funding but claimed the university had found an alternative through private grants.
“We have a lot of grants for equity and access in education, and since they’re funded by Apple, they haven’t been cut,” she said.
She suggested that the continuation of DEI-related efforts is part of a broader, coordinated effort among university staff. “We’re very diverse and [the administrators] are extremely passionate about that, and we are doing what we can. They’re still doing things,” she added.
When confronted in the lobby of her office by Accuracy in Media President Adam Guillette, Newhouse denied making the above comments and claimed the hidden-camera footage had been generated by artificial intelligence.
“I don’t know what to tell you, sir. Can I give you my number?” she said.
After being shown clips that included her voice, she continued to deny involvement, stating, “That’s AI. It’s gotta be. That’s not me saying that.”
Erik Porfeli, Interim Dean, briefly met with Guillette but declined to comment on Newhouse’s appearance in the video.
Take action by visiting DEIinOhio.com to send one message that goes directly to all of the trustees at Ohio State. No taxpayer should have to fund administrators that disregard state law and promote divisive views on race.
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