Antonio Condemns Passage of Board of Education's Anti-LGBTQ+ Resolution

Today, state Senator Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) released the following statement after the Ohio State Board of Education passed a resolution that opposes a proposal by the U.S. Department of Education to expand federal Title IX protections for LGBTQ+ students in Ohio: “I find it disappointing that the State Board of Education has chosen to engage in systematic bullying and stigmatization of LGBTQ+ students when it should instead be focused on ensuring all kids can learn, grow and excel in an inclusive environment. LGBTQ+ youth already experience far higher rates of bullying and suicide than their peers; this resolution will only exacerbate that. Prioritizing politics over the lives of some of our most vulnerable children is sickening, and it is a dereliction of duty on behalf of the Board of Education.” The resolution indicates the State Board of Education’s opposition to the proposed changes to Title IX and calls upon the General Assembly to “resist federal executive branch attempts” to clarify Title IX and pass legislation that could undermine local control. It also directs the acting Superintendent of Public Instruction to issue a letter and copy of the resolution to every Ohio school district stating that the federal guidance is unenforceable.