COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — An impartial advocacy group is opposing an Ohio law that could strip teachers of their licenses if critical race theory is taught in their classrooms.
Ten speakers from Honesty for Ohio Education, a statewide coalition of more than 30 organizations, appeared at the Ohio Capitol on Wednesday to express their opposition to a House Republican-led bill banning state agencies, K – 12 schools and colleges to teach about “divisive concepts” related to race and gender.
Definition of divisiveness
Current legislation contains a confusing list of “divisive concepts” that nonprofit organizations (and for-profit corporations) are prohibited from discussing when those organizations or their employees are managed by funded by government agencies and/or a local political subdivision. These so-called “divisive concepts” include:
- That people cannot be successful or achieve equality because of their race, ethnicity, color, gender, religion, or national origin.
- That people of any race, ethnicity, color, gender, religion, or national origin are inherently superior or inferior.
- That people should be treated unfairly or favorably because of their race, ethnicity, color, gender, religion, or national origin.
- That people from certain groups can be inherently racist, sexist or oppressive, either consciously or unconsciously.
- And no one “shall be required to complete a curriculum that contains divisive concepts as a condition or requirement of employment.”
What can we do?
The open exchange of ideas is the lifeblood not only of higher education but also of democracy and must be protected. Here’s how you can help.
- Please contact us at information@akronaaup.org if you believe your program’s accreditation would be jeopardized if this law were adopted in its current form.
- Sign the OC-AAUP call to action. While we cannot prevent this law from being passed, we can influence the final version.
- Contact your legislator as a taxpayer (whose taxes help fund education) or as a parent concerned about this legislation. Be sure to find your district representative. Focus your communications on issues of common interest, such as enrollment, quality of education, potential loss of accreditation (from programs and the university), and students’ ability to engage in experiential learning (e.g., internships and cooperatives). Unfortunately, the views of college professors don’t make much of an impact on Ohio lawmakers, so when you write or call, focus on your other roles in the community. Here are other points you might want to address if you decide to contact your legislator or write a statement.
- The Ohio League of Women Voters provides helpful information and tips on how you can influence this legislation.