Senate Bill 1 Will Mean the End of Academic Freedom for OhIo Colleges and Universities [View all]
As a retired college English instructor for 42 years, I am utterly appalled by such a fascist bill. Drafted by Ohio Republicans, it was predicated on the extremist righ-wing myth that leaening places of higher education, even those
in the Buckeye State--have tried to "indoctrinate" students with "woke liberal ideology.
Despite what its supporters claim, this bill stifles, not encourages, critical thinking by controlling classroom discussions and requiring"equal time" for alternative points of view on all "controversial" issues, without endorsing arguing against any one viewpoint. Presumably, this would include extremist, non-factual "fringe" and conspiracy theories. Also, I'm just dying to learn what kind of required American history class--an update last week called it an "ethics" class--is going to be taught, and from WHOSE point of view!
In addition, it eliminates DEI and inclusion programs, limits Boards of Trustees membership terms so that partisan politicians can more easily and quickly appoint their own supporters, and erodes educators' collective bargaining rights by removing the legal power to strike. Senator Cirno's dismissing the large opposition to the bill as "irrelevant" is both arrogant and insulting. Clearly, the will of the people means nothing to him. People should remember his words if and/or when he seeks re-election.
https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2025/02/12/ohio-senate-passes-higher-ed-overhaul-bill-less-than-a-day-after-eight-hours-of-opponent-testimony/?fbclid=IwY2xjawIse-lleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHV8_K0LnkxFJWWpwpFJ6zmN86xX0Fx-cnhTTgQQt0_0Dw1GFCCp2GVlISQ_aem_PamcE190sxnvCJd8d_eeqg
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