State Rep. Erika White (D-Springfield Twp.) Wednesday responded to the House passage of Senate Bill (SB) 1, the Higher Education Destruction Act:
“Two important truths came up when Senate Bill 1 was reintroduced as Ohio’s focus: the future will not be shaped by those who only prepare for it today, and it does not belong to those who simply dream of it. Students-who represent Ohio’s future-gathered in large numbers, speaking out passionately, but their voices were ignored as this bill moved forward quickly.
This legislation threatens workers’ rights to negotiate, putting decades of hard-earned achievements at risk for the working class. It also robs students of scholarships from already earned through hard work. These scholarships provide access to education and a brighter future. This bill not only harms students’ dreams but also places the burden of its effects not on those who crafted this legislation but on the hopeful futures of students of Ohio.
Senate Bill 1 only targets diversity, equity, and inclusion, it also begins the erosion of worker rights. Any attack on collective bargaining rights is an attack on working people. This legislation impacts workers who depend on their ability to negotiate fair wages, healthcare, working conditions, and retirement benefits as the backbone of their survival and livelihood. Senate Bill 1’s provisions empties scholarship funds, ends jobs, destroys tenure, deletes academic majors, and decimates the values of free speech and the freedom of thought.
Freedom of expression and open dialogue are vital for our educational institutions and for Ohio’s future. I strongly support these ideas, viewing free speech as essential for liberty and democracy. It’s important to understand that free speech helps us have meaningful discussions among Ohioans with different viewpoints, guiding us toward shared goals and progress together,” said Rep. White.
In trying to solve problems that do not exist, SB 1 creates new issues that will increase costs, stifle growth, and prevent Ohio’s young adults from reaching their full potential.
Republicans Choose Censorship, Discrimination Over Educational Freedom with SB 1’s Passage
State Rep. Michele Grim (D-Toledo) last week responded to the House passage of Senate Bill (SB) 1, the Higher Education Destruction Act:
“SB 1 is an outright attack on workers’ rights, academic freedom, and Ohio’s future. It bans faculty strikes, silences advocacy for fair wages and job security, and enforces state censorship in the classroom. SB 1 weakens our universities, drives talent out of Ohio, and shortchanges our students. Instead of stifling free speech and learning, we should be investing in a stronger future for Ohio,” said Rep. Grim.
In trying to solve problems that do not exist, SB 1 creates new issues that will increase costs, stifle growth, and prevent Ohio’s young adults from reaching their full potential.