STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
Resolution to Condemn Racism and Advance Equity
Resolution to Condemn Racism and Advance Equity
The July 2020 Resolution to Condemn Racism and Advance Equity and Opportunity for Black Students, Indigenous Students, and Students of Color was adopted on July 14, 2020, by a 12-5 vote, with 1 abstention.
The Resolution is a comprehensive framework that addresses specific racialized inequities and disparities across Ohio's 612 school districts, serving 1.7 million students: Disparities in Academic Performance Need for Culturally Responsive Curriculum Disproportionate Discipline of Black Male Students Systemic Inequity & Under-Resourced Schools Racism, Bigotry, Hatred, White Supremacy Culture Need for Courageous Conversations Around Race Need for Internal Examination of District Operations 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 has the opportunities and resources to thrive in their district. |
REPEAL OF THE RESOLUTION
On October 13, 2021, the State Board of Education voted to repeal the Resolution to Condemn Racism and Advance Equity 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.
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 for the repeal of the Resolution. At the same time, the Ohio Senate immediately confirmed three appointed State Board members who voted to repeal the Resolution. |
FORMAL ACTIONS AGAINST 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. Read New Resolution HERE
- Oct 13, 2021: Board member Martha Manchester proposed amendments to Board member Brendan Shea's Resolution. Read Manchester's Amended Resolution HERE
- Sept 21, 2021: Board member Brendan Shea proposed a new resolution that would rescind the July 2020 Resolution to Condemn Racism and Advance Equity. Read Shea's Resolution HERE
- 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. Read Resolution HERE