DeMora Condemns Overreaching and Harmful Senate Bill 1

Today, state Senator Bill DeMora (D-Columbus) strongly condemned the introduction of Senate Bill 1, a far-reaching measure that threatens the future of higher education, undermines unions, and restricts academic freedom in Ohio.

“Instead of focusing on fixing the property tax crisis, the housing crisis, grocery prices that are rising daily, or any of the other kitchen table issues that Ohioans care about, the Senate Majority said loud and clear today that their number one priority going into the new session is cratering higher education in Ohio,” said DeMora. “While the sponsor claims that Ohio will lead the nation in higher education reform, the reality is that this bill will place Ohio at the very bottom in terms of educational outcomes. By banning university staff from unionizing and imposing draconian restrictions on faculty, including prohibiting strikes and allowing unelected boards of trustees to eliminate entire academic programs or fire tenured professors, Senate Bill 1 furthers Republicans’ attack on the truth.”

In addition to banning diversity, equity, and inclusion entirely, Senate Bill 1 also bans professors from striking and gives the boards of trustees for universities broad powers to eliminate majors and reprimand or fire professors, even if the professor has tenure. 

“What young person, what professional, would want to come to a state where housing is unaffordable, jobs pay too little, civil rights are under attack, unions are being dismantled, and universities are banned from teaching the truth?” asked DeMora.

S.B. 1 awaits committee assignment.