Forest Hills Community is Victorious Rebuking
Extremism and Discrimination in its Schools
School board votes to rescind shameful "Culture of Kindness Resolution"
December 21, 2023 | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COLUMBUS — Today, Honesty for Ohio Education released the following statement in response to the Forest Hills School District Board of Education voting to rescind the “Resolution to Create a Culture of Kindness and Equal Opportunity for All Students and Staff" in an executive session this morning. The repeal comes after a lengthy community-led lawsuit to rescind the resolution filed 18 months ago, just days after the adoption of the resolution in June 2022.
"Honesty for Ohio Education proudly stands in solidarity with the Forest Hills School District community for its unwavering commitment to repeal the district's shameful 'Culture of Kindness Resolution' banning needed curriculum, education, and training around anti-racism, intersectionality, and gender identity," said Cynthia Peeples, founding director of Honesty for Ohio Education.
"This community-led legal victory is a loud rebuke of hate-fueled, extremist political agendas and provides a powerful roadmap for other districts facing similar harm. Today's message was clear: Racist, transphobic, discriminatory values, and their proxies, have no home in Forest Hills or Ohio.
"We thank Protect Diversity in FHSD, Advocate FHSD, and the Forest Hills community for their relentless leadership and continued efforts to create nurturing, honest learning environments where all children are valued, affirmed, and celebrated."
"Honesty for Ohio Education proudly stands in solidarity with the Forest Hills School District community for its unwavering commitment to repeal the district's shameful 'Culture of Kindness Resolution' banning needed curriculum, education, and training around anti-racism, intersectionality, and gender identity," said Cynthia Peeples, founding director of Honesty for Ohio Education.
"This community-led legal victory is a loud rebuke of hate-fueled, extremist political agendas and provides a powerful roadmap for other districts facing similar harm. Today's message was clear: Racist, transphobic, discriminatory values, and their proxies, have no home in Forest Hills or Ohio.
"We thank Protect Diversity in FHSD, Advocate FHSD, and the Forest Hills community for their relentless leadership and continued efforts to create nurturing, honest learning environments where all children are valued, affirmed, and celebrated."
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Honesty for Ohio Education is a nonpartisan, statewide coalition that champions honest education, affirmation of identities, cultures, and experiences, and the rights and safety of all students, families, and educators. The coalition represents nearly 70 organizational partners and thousands of Ohioans across the state.