Press Release

September 18, 2017 | By Cole Hatcher

Ohio Wesleyan Joins ‘Ohio Business Competes’ Coalition

Nonpartisan Organization Supports Nondiscrimination Policies to Protect LGBTQ Community 

DELAWARE, Ohio – Ohio Wesleyan University has joined “Ohio Business Competes,” a nonpartisan coalition of businesses committed to “achieving nondiscrimination policies at the state level in order to attract the best talent, to increase business-to-business and business-to-consumer relationships, and to grow Ohio’s economy.” 

According to the coalition: “There are 21 states where consumers and employees are protected from being denied jobs, housing, and services based upon perceived sexual orientation/gender identity — Ohio is not one of these states. Discriminatory laws can drive away the top talent Ohio needs to fill 21st century jobs.” 

Ohio Wesleyan President Rock Jones said the coalition’s effort to promote equality is a perfect fit with the university’s long-standing policy of non-discrimination and acceptance. 

“I am proud that Ohio Wesleyan is among the first colleges and universities in the state to join the ‘Ohio Business Competes’ coalition,” said Jones, Ph.D. “Ohio Wesleyan supports the dignity and value of all people. No one should be discriminated against because of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identification, or any other identity. Ohio’s LGBTQ community deserves equal protection under the law.” 

To date, more than 200 businesses have joined “Ohio Business Competes,” the coalition states, including “some of the state’s largest employers, such as Procter & Gamble Company, OhioHealth, American Electric Power, KeyBank and General Electric.” 

To learn more about the coalition, including its economic-impact data, visit http://ohiobusinesscompetes.org


Founded in 1842, Ohio Wesleyan University is one of the nation’s premier liberal arts universities. Located in Delaware, Ohio, the private university offers nearly 90 undergraduate majors and competes in 23 NCAA Division III varsity sports. Through Ohio Wesleyan’s signature OWU Connection program, students integrate knowledge across disciplines, build a diverse and global perspective, and apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Ohio Wesleyan is featured in the book “Colleges That Change Lives,” listed on the latest President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with Distinction, and included in the U.S. News & World Report and Princeton Review “best colleges” lists. Learn more at www.owu.edu.