Ohio House Passes Bill to Protect Free Speech in Ohio Classrooms

COLUMBUS –The Ohio House of Representatives today passed House Bill 214, which will promote free speech in public schools and protect Ohio educators, staff, and students, announced bill sponsor, State Rep. Adam Holmes (R-Nashport).

Highlights of the bill are as follows:

• Prohibits public school districts from requiring employees, students, or job applicants to support specific ideologies or political movements;
• Provides specific protection for general discussion of political movements, ideologies, and social action inside the classroom;
• Ensures specific protection for free speech rights of public school employees, students, and job applicants; and
• Allows for public access to all public school policy and instructional materials concerning political movements, ideology, or social action.
   

“Our fundamental values of freedom of speech and self-determination should not be left at the doorways of Ohio classrooms,” said Holmes. “I’m grateful for the passage of this critical legislation and look forward to seeing it continue to progress in the Ohio Senate.” 

House Bill 214 now heads to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.