BREAKING NEWS: Ohio House Passes CCV-backed SB1 to Ban DEI at Ohio's Colleges
COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives passed the Advance Ohio Higher Education Act (SB1) yesterday by a 59-34 vote. SB1, which was amended and passed out of the Workforce and Higher Education Committee in the Ohio House by a 9-4 vote earlier in the day, now returns to the Ohio Senate for a concurrence vote on the changes before heading to Governor Mike DeWine's desk.
Sponsored by Senator Jerry Cirino (R-Kirtland), the Advance Ohio Higher Education Act would ban DEI courses, training, and required statements; spending on DEI initiatives or programs with the same intent; and political and ideological litmus tests in all hiring, promotion, and admissions decisions at Ohio's state colleges and universities.
The following statement is from Monty Lobb, Executive Director of the Christian Business Partnership, a partner ministry of Center for Christian Virtue:
"On behalf of the hundreds of Ohio businesses who value a strong, capable workforce, academic freedom, and critical thinking, I want to thank Speaker Matt Huffman, Rep. Tom Young, Chair of the Workforce and Higher Education Committee, and Sen. Jerry Cirino, sponsor of the Advance Ohio Higher Education Act (SB1), for guiding this significant legislation through the Ohio House of Representatives.
"SB1 represents a necessary step toward fostering true intellectual diversity and preparing students for the demands of Ohio's workforce. By eliminating DEI requirements that often hinder open dialogue, this legislation will help develop graduates equipped with the problem-solving, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making skills that employers seek.
"I urge the Ohio Senate to act swiftly in holding a concurrence vote to send this common-sense bill to the governor's desk."
Take Action: Make Your Voice Heard
Elected by voters like you, our state legislators are highly motivated to listen to their constituents. Don't let the opponents be the only voice your Senator hears from! It takes 60 seconds or less to make your voice heard by using our Action Center to urge your Ohio legislators to vote for the Advance Ohio Higher Education Act.
Not sure who your state officials are? Just follow the prompts to enter your name and address, and let the Action Center do the rest!
For more information, contact CCV at 513-733-5775 or contact@ccv.org. For media inquiries, email media@ccv.org.
As Ohio's largest Christian public policy organization, Center for Christian Virtue seeks the good of our neighbors by advocating for public policy that reflects the truth of the Gospel.
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