TAKE ACTION NOW
STOP House Bill 616
What is House Bill 616?
House Bill 616 is the third censorship bill imported into Ohio that prohibits and restricts how race, racism, sexual orientation, and gender identity are acknowledged, taught, and discussed in Ohio K-12 schools.
Ohio Reps. Mike Loychik (R-Bazetta) and Jean Schmidt (R-Loveland) introduced HB 616 on April 4, 2022, and it was assigned to the House State and Local Government Committee, now joining HB 322 and 327.
Not only does HB 616 double down on the harmful tenets of HB 322 and HB 327 weaponizing race and identity and threatening educators with draconian penalties, it also cosigns the homophobic language in Florida's "Don't Say Gay" bill.
HB 616, HB 327, and HB 322 are an affront to students, families, and educators across Ohio.
This shameful display of political posturing and wanton disregard for student welfare and honest education are a
stain on the Ohio Statehouse.
There is no place for racist, homophobic, transphobic educational gag orders in Ohio!
TAKE ACTION TO STOP HOUSE BILL 616
TAKE ACTION TO STOP HOUSE BILL 616
About House Bill 616
Targets Ohio K-12 Schools
Censors Race & Racism
HB 616 prohibits the promotion and endorsement of "divisive or inherently racist concepts" including:
Censors Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity
HB 616 imports the language of Florida's Don't Say Gay bill that prohibits the education and discussion about sexual orientation and gender identity in schools.
Issues Extreme Penalties Against Educators & Schools
HB 616 levies extreme licensure and funding penalties for violations of the bill.
- School districts
- STEM schools
- Community schools
- Nonpublic schools accepting state scholarships
Censors Race & Racism
HB 616 prohibits the promotion and endorsement of "divisive or inherently racist concepts" including:
- Critical Race Theory
- The 1619 Project
- Intersectional Theory
- Diversity Equity, and Inclusion learning outcomes
- Inherited racial guilt
- Other concepts defined by the State Board of Education
Censors Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity
HB 616 imports the language of Florida's Don't Say Gay bill that prohibits the education and discussion about sexual orientation and gender identity in schools.
- Prohibits the teaching and use of instructional material about sexual orientation or gender identity for grades K-3
- Restricts the teaching and use of instructional material about sexual orientation or gender identity for grades 4-12; states the material must be "age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate", does not define "appropriate"
Issues Extreme Penalties Against Educators & Schools
HB 616 levies extreme licensure and funding penalties for violations of the bill.
- Complaints filed against teachers, administrators, or superintendents will be heard by the State Board of Education.
- If the state superintendent rules against a teacher, administrator, district superintendent, or district, the Dept. of Education will:
- Admonish, suspend, or revoke the teacher, administrator, or district superintendent's license
- Withhold funds based on severity of the offense