What would SB 1 mean for higher education in Ohio?

A classroom  at Sinclair Community College Monday, Aug. 26, 2024 on the first day of classes. MARSHALL GORBY\STAFF

A classroom at Sinclair Community College Monday, Aug. 26, 2024 on the first day of classes. MARSHALL GORBY\STAFF

Ohio Republicans proposed a bill in January to ban diversity and inclusion efforts on college campuses, bar university staff from striking and require a state-designed civics class for bachelor’s degree. Senate Bill 1, sponsored by Sen. Jerry Cirino, R-Kirtland, is modeled after the controversial former Senate Bill 83.

In today’s Ideas & Voices, Sen. Cirino and Jessica Barnett of the Wright State University Chapter of the American Association of University Professors debate SB 1 and what it could mean for the future of higher education in Ohio.

What do you think of the proposed legislation? Send us your thoughts at edletter@coxinc.com.

Ohio Senator Jerry C. Cirino serves the people of Senate District 18, which includes Lake county and portions of Cuyahoga county. (CONTRIBUTED)

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SB 1 will ensure free speech on campus for both students and professors

“My Advance Ohio Higher Education Act will ensure the right to free speech on campus for both students and professors.

DEI put certain ideas off limits. Numerous students have told us they risk retaliation should they dare to suggest such politically incorrect notions as climate change is more theory than fact, there are only two sexes, American is not fundamentally racist, boys do not belong in girls restrooms, the president is not a fascist, etc., etc., etc.

My bill will prevent professors from punishing students with a bad grade for expressing opposing views on controversial subjects. It will restore free speech and intellectual diversity on our campuses."

- Read more from Sen. Jerry Cirino

Jessica Penwell Barnett is the Secretary of the WSU Chapter of AAUP. She has been a professor since 2014. (CONTRIBUTED)

Credit: Erin Pence

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Credit: Erin Pence

Higher education must remain a path toward career success and civic engagement

“We live in challenging times, with extreme political polarization and a diminishing sense of economic security. We need to come together and collectively leverage our diverse talents and perspectives to enable the well-being of every family and all communities. Senate Bill 1 threatens our ability to do so. Though the bill claims the laudable goal of, “an ethic of civil and free inquiry, which respects the autonomy of each member, [and] supports individual capacities for growth”, its policy mechanisms do the opposite by limiting our development and dividing our communities."

Jessica Barnett, Secretary of the WSU Chapter of AAUP- Read more from