​ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION
On July 14, 2020, the State Board of Education adopted the Resolution to Condemn Racism and Advance Equity and Opportunity for Black Students, Indigenous Students, and Students of Color by a 12-5 vote, with 1 abstention.

The resolution was a comprehensive framework addressing specific racialized inequities and disparities across Ohio's 610+ school districts, serving 1.7 million students.
​
Resolution addressed:
  • ​Disparities in academic performance 
  • Need for culturally responsive curriculum
  • Disproportionate discipline of Black male students
  • Systemic inequity & under-resourced schools
  • Racism, bigotry, and hatred
  • White Supremacy Culture
  • Need for courageous conversations around race
  • Need for internal examination of district operations to identify inequities
Called for an examination of bias in:
  • Academic standards
  • Model curriculum
  • State testing
  • Curriculum
  • Hiring
  • Training/development
  • Student discipline

​Four members* of the 2020 State Board drafted the resolution after studying data across all 610+ school districts that exposed overwhelming disparities in academic achievement, discipline, and attendance for students of color. The members felt districts needed an immediate framework to address the systemic nature of these disparities and ensure every student had the opportunities and resources to thrive in their district. 

*Former President Laura Kohler, Meryl Johnson of District 11, Former Member Stephanie Dodd of District 9, Former Member Linda Haycock of District 1

​REPEAL OF RESOLUTION
After months of debate, heated public testimony, and actions to invalidate the resolution, the State Board of Education voted to repeal the Resolution to Condemn Racism and Advance Equity on October 13, 2021, by a 10-7 vote. In its place, the Board adopted the Resolution to Promote Academic Excellence in K-12 Education for Each Ohio Student Without Prejudice or Respect to Race, Ethnicity, or Creed. 
10 elected & appointed* members who voted to rescind the resolution:
​
Charlotte McGuire VP, District 3
Steve Dackin, Columbus*
Walt Davis, Lebanon*
John Hagan, District 9​
Kirsten Hill, District 2
Jenny Kilgore, District 4
Paul LaRue, Washington Courthouse*
Martha Manchester, Lakeview* ​
Tim Miller, District 10*
Brendan Shea, District 10

WATCH Board Meeting
One week after State Board members voted to rescind the July 2020 Resolution, then-President Laura Kohler and appointed member Eric Poklar were pressured to resign from the State Board for refusing to vote against the resolution. During the same time, the Ohio Senate immediately confirmed three appointed State Board members who voted to repeal the resolution.​​

​FORMAL ACTIONS AGAINST THE RESOLUTION SINCE ITS ADOPTION
  • Oct 13, 2021: Board voted 10-7 to REPEAL the Resolution to Condemn Racism and Advance Equity, and adopt Board member Martha Manchester's amended Resolution to Promote Academic Excellence in K-12 Education for Each Ohio Student Without Prejudice or Respect to Race, Ethnicity, or Creed. 
  • Oct 13, 2021: Board member Martha Manchester proposed amendments to Board member Brendan Shea's Resolution. 
  • Sept 21, 2021: Board member Brendan Shea proposed a new resolution that would rescind the July 2020 Resolution to Condemn Racism and Advance Equity. 
  • July 13, 2021: Board member John Hagan proposed a resolution requesting a formal opinion from Attorney General David Yost as to the legal authority, or lack thereof, of the Resolution to Condemn Racism and Advance Equity. Hagan's resolution passed by a 14-4 vote after incorporating an amendment proposed by member Antoinette Miranda, which eliminated inaccuracies and unnecessary editorial comments. Read about AG Yost Opinion HERE​
  • July 14, 2020: Board voted 12-5 to adopt the Resolution to Condemn Racism and Advance Equity and Opportunity for Black Students, Indigenous Students, and Students of Color. 

​Resolution to Condemn Racism and Advance Equity
and Opportunity for Black Students, Indigenous Students, and Students of Color


​Resolution to Condemn Racism and Advance Equity and Opportunity for
​Black Students, Indigenous Students, and Students of Color
Adopted July 14, 2020
Vote: 12-5, 1 Abstention

Originally Drafted By
President Laura Kohler
Meryl Johnson, District 11
Stephanie Dodd, Former Member, District 9
Linda Haycock, Former Member, District 1

Watch State Board Meeting 
Part 1  |  Part 2
Resolution Addresses:
​
​Disparities in Academic Performance 
Need for Culturally Responsive Curriculum
Disproportionate Discipline of Black Male Students
Systemic Inequity & Under-Resourced Schools
Racism, Bigotry, and Hatred
White Supremacy Culture
Need for Courageous Conversations Around Race
Need for Internal Examination of District Operations to Identify Inequities

Calls for Examination of Bias in:
Academic Standards, Model Curriculum, State Testing, Curriculum, Hiring, Training/Development, Student Discipline