Lima Reporter

Representative Angie King, a Republican from Celina, cast her vote in favor of Senate Bill 1, a piece of legislation aimed at reshaping Ohio's public universities with a "Students First" approach. The bill seeks to align higher education with the state's workforce needs by eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, while promoting institutional stability and transparency.

"Student interests are the central focus of Senate Bill 1," Representative King stated. "Students deserve a learning environment where diverse opinions are welcomed, without penalty. Critical thinking and respectful discourse are essential components of a student’s education."

The proposed changes under Senate Bill 1 include:

- DEI Elimination: Removing DEI programs to prevent institutional discrimination and indoctrination.

- Protect Freedom of Speech and Promote Equality: Safeguarding opinions from being silenced or marginalized, fostering an environment for diverse perspectives.

- Ensure Uninterrupted Education: Prohibiting faculty strikes or walkouts to maintain students' educational progress.

- Ensure High Quality Education: Evaluating tenured faculty not meeting performance expectations to maintain educational standards.

- Ensure Workforce Relevance: Phasing out programs producing fewer than five degrees over three years to stay aligned with workforce demands.

- Prioritize Civics and Capitalism Education: Providing students with foundational knowledge in American civics and capitalism.

- Enforce Foreign Influence Restrictions: Protecting institutions from interference by the People’s Republic of China.

The bill is now set to proceed to the Ohio Senate for a concurrence vote.