Culture Wars Taking Aim on Ohio Education
Certain Ohio legislators are importing a nationally coordinated, extremist agenda into Ohio designed to dismantle public education, perpetuate hate and discrimination, and foment distrust of educators and administrators. More than 225 education bills were introduced in the Ohio 134th General Assembly, with dozens weaponizing race and identity to marginalize students, whitewash honest education, and attack the rights and safety of students, families, and educators.
The attacks began with multiple censorship bills, and grew to include anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, "parental rights" bills, and a state takeover of public education. While the titles were different, the intent was the same:
The attacks began with multiple censorship bills, and grew to include anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, "parental rights" bills, and a state takeover of public education. While the titles were different, the intent was the same:
- Whitewash history, sanitize hate, and hide hard truths about our nation
- Dismiss the enduring legacies and realities of racism, antisemitism, xenophobia, misogyny, homophobia, and transphobia
- Silence the many diverse perspectives, identities, and experiences that shape the American Experience
- Create division and distrust amongst Ohioans by using misinformation to fuel fear and the "othering" of marginalized Ohioans
- Cause a chilling effect on honest education and discussions in the classroom and workplace
- Distract from REAL education issues, like unconstitutional school funding, under-resourced schools, and the growing teacher shortage
Why These Bills Hurt Ohio
These bills hurt every Ohioan by prohibiting, censoring, and restricting the essential truths, critical perspectives, and in-depth analyses of America's past and present necessary for healing and growth.
These bills cheat students, families, and educators of a quality public education and instead promote an incomplete and inadequate education that shuns intellectual curiosity and closes minds rather than expanding them.
These bills create distrust among students, families, teachers, and local communities.
These bills leave students, communities, and Ohio ill-equipped to thrive in a dynamic, globally-connected, 21st Century world.
These copycat bills promote the political interests of a national network of corporate-backed legislators, lobbyists, and organizations, not the needs or desires of Ohio.
Our students deserve more. Our families expect more. Our teachers want more. Our state needs more.
These bills cheat students, families, and educators of a quality public education and instead promote an incomplete and inadequate education that shuns intellectual curiosity and closes minds rather than expanding them.
These bills create distrust among students, families, teachers, and local communities.
These bills leave students, communities, and Ohio ill-equipped to thrive in a dynamic, globally-connected, 21st Century world.
These copycat bills promote the political interests of a national network of corporate-backed legislators, lobbyists, and organizations, not the needs or desires of Ohio.
Our students deserve more. Our families expect more. Our teachers want more. Our state needs more.
Anti-Honesty in Education Bills and Actions Across the US
Since January 2021, more than 40 states across the country introduced or passed similar bills and actions in their statehouses, state boards of education, and local districts. These copycat bills use strikingly similar language and penalties, much of which originated from Donald Trump's Executive Order 13950 issued in September 2020.
Most bills and actions were passed or adopted without the support, endorsement, or consultation of trained education professionals, leading education organizations, and mental and behavioral health experts.
Most bills and actions were passed or adopted without the support, endorsement, or consultation of trained education professionals, leading education organizations, and mental and behavioral health experts.