ATHENS, Ohio (WCMH) — A state law is forcing Ohio University to shutter a program that alumni and faculty said has helped southeastern and central Ohioans for decades.

“Not only is it strong, it’s accessible,” said Savanna Rion, an Ohio University music therapy graduate. “It is and has been hard for a lot of people to be able to access education in general, but especially such a solid and strong music therapy education that Ohio University has been able to provide for students for over 75 years.”

Ohio’s Senate Bill 1 is most known for banning DEI on college campuses, but the law also requires public universities to shut down any program with an average of fewer than five graduates per year. At Ohio University, students, faculty and community members are asking the state to reconsider shuttering the bachelor’s of music therapy. See previous coverage of S.B. 1 in the video player above.

S.B. 1 allows waivers if the program aligns with Ohio’s workforce needs or offers something unique. Ohio University asked the state to allow seven of 36 eligible programs to be allowed to continue. In mid-March, Ohio University students learned the state had rejected three waiver requests.

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Thousands have signed a petition asking Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor Mike Duffey to revise his ruling on music therapy. A spokesperson for the Ohio Department of Higher Education said Ohio University has options, such as combining the program with another department or sharing a music therapy program across schools.

An Ohio University spokesperson said the state does not have an appeal process for waiver decisions. Program stakeholders are still hopeful the state will reconsider.

“Our programs may be a little bit smaller than other programs, especially in the arts, but our students, when they graduate, they go on to get jobs here in Ohio,” said Andrew Holbrook, an associate professor and director of Ohio University’s music therapy program.

Holbrook said the state counted 14 graduates over a three-year period but estimates the program typically sends off 7-10 students per year. Holbrook said the unique structure of the program makes it hard to quantify graduates. Students walk at graduation on a typical four-year path but only receive their degrees after completing a post-graduate internship.

“Thousands and thousands of incredible music therapists exist because of this program, and not only will students be losing out on the ability to be a part of something so incredible and big as our program, but they’re also losing out on the ability to have such incredible experiences like I’ve been lucky enough to have,” Rion said.

Music therapy is used in treatment across demographics and has even been effective in reducing pain. Rion, who graduated last May and recently finished her internship, said there is a need for music therapists. Her philosophy is rooted in a quote from the poet Rumi: “What is planted in each person’s soul will sprout.”

“You as the music therapist, you are like a gardener, right?” Rion said. “A gardener who has this incredible tool set and your music, your instruments, your therapeutic approaches — that is your tool set to help your garden of clients grow.“

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As part of classes, Rion and her classmates went into community spaces and provided care free of charge. She said the program allowed her to help hospice patients be comfortable and Parkinson’s patients regain strength to walk. Holbrook said there are around 20 facilities that receive student care each week in southeast Ohio, none of which can afford private music therapy care.

“So many people are going to go without services,” Holbrook said. “Without our program, there’s kind of a huge hole in southeast Ohio that just isn’t going to get served. And that saddens us quite a bit.”

Holbrook said along with petitioning the state, his department is exploring any possible options to retain at least part of the program. Current students are allowed to finish their degrees, but Holbrook said several high school seniors had already auditioned and been accepted for the fall. Now, he said, those students had to pick a different program or another university.

Ohio University will still have its graduate program for music therapy. A spokesperson for the Department of Higher Education said Ohio University could also coordinate with music therapy bachelor’s programs at Cleveland State, Baldwin Wallace or the University of Dayton.

In all, Ohio University will shutter 16 programs and combine 16 more due to S.B. 1.

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