Statement on
Acceptance of HB 327 Substitution Bill
February 16, 2022 | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Honesty for Ohio Education Statement on HB 327 Substitution Bill
COLUMBUS — Honesty for Ohio Education released this statement in response to the acceptance today by the Ohio House State and Local Government Committee of a substitute bill for House Bill 327.
“HB 327 as amended remains an unnecessary, harmful attack on Ohioans’ freedom to learn and would have a chilling effect on teaching in our state.
“If anything, the changes accepted today make this educational gag order even worse by doubling down on the most troubling aspects of earlier versions of the bill. Ohio will be stronger when we are able to learn and discuss the truth about our country’s complicated history and its impact on society today.
“While the bill’s proponents have focused their attacks on what can and cannot be discussed in the classroom, HB 327’s vague prohibitions, linked to very real punishments, would affect every aspect of public life in Ohio, from small townships to large state agencies to our top universities.
“HB 327 goes against the values of Ohioans of all backgrounds who are working to create a more equitable, inclusive, and just society. That’s why the State and Local Government Committee should kill this bill. Our leaders must stop engaging in classroom censorship and stop weaponizing our children’s education.”
“HB 327 as amended remains an unnecessary, harmful attack on Ohioans’ freedom to learn and would have a chilling effect on teaching in our state.
“If anything, the changes accepted today make this educational gag order even worse by doubling down on the most troubling aspects of earlier versions of the bill. Ohio will be stronger when we are able to learn and discuss the truth about our country’s complicated history and its impact on society today.
“While the bill’s proponents have focused their attacks on what can and cannot be discussed in the classroom, HB 327’s vague prohibitions, linked to very real punishments, would affect every aspect of public life in Ohio, from small townships to large state agencies to our top universities.
“HB 327 goes against the values of Ohioans of all backgrounds who are working to create a more equitable, inclusive, and just society. That’s why the State and Local Government Committee should kill this bill. Our leaders must stop engaging in classroom censorship and stop weaponizing our children’s education.”
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The Honesty for Ohio Education coalition brings together nearly 30 organizational partners and hundreds of individuals from around the state to advocate for every child’s right to a high-quality public education grounded in honesty, facts and diverse perspectives, regardless of their race, background or zip code.