Ingram Condemns Passage of Higher Education Destruction Act

Today, state Senator Catherine D. Ingram (D-Cincinnati) issued the following statement after the Ohio Senate voted to pass the highly controversial Senate Bill 1:
 
“From the introduction of this bill last General Assembly as Senate Bill 83 to now as Senate Bill 1, I have heard from hundreds, if not thousands, of students, faculty, and staff expressing deep concern over this legislation,” said Ingram. “The truth is, S.B. 1 is a direct insult to our state's higher education system. It threatens the intellectual integrity and strength of our public institutions. Why is there such fear of ensuring that our educational spaces are equitable, inclusive, and diverse? Are we truly willing to compromise the well-being of the people we represent for political gain? The supporters of Senate Bill 1 are not education experts. Instead, they seek to impose government overreach to gain power.”
 
Senate Bill 1 contains several provisions that would drastically change Ohio’s higher education landscape, including prohibiting university faculty members from striking; banning diversity, equity, and inclusion programs; and forbidding institutions of higher education from taking positions on “controversial beliefs or policies.”
 
“Working alongside stakeholders across Ohio, I offered numerous amendments to address concerns raised about the bill,” said Ingram. “Unfortunately, none of them were considered. I am grateful to everyone who has made their voice heard throughout this process. Please know that I will always remain dedicated to protecting the integrity of education for all.”
 
According to U.S. News, Ohio has nine schools in the top 200 public institutions in the United States, the fourth most in the country. Critics argue the passage of S.B. 1 would jeopardize the quality of Ohio’s higher education by driving away students, faculty, and critical business partnerships.
 
Senate Bill 1 now goes to the Ohio House of Representatives for consideration.