Rep. Jarrells Introduces Bipartisan CAMPUS Act to Protect and Empower Students at Ohio's Higher Education Institutions

COLUMBUS - State Rep. Dontavius Jarrells (D-Columbus) today introduced the bipartisan Campus Accountability and Modernization to Protect University Students (CAMPUS) Act along with Rep. Justin Pizzulli (R-Scioto County).

“Our students need us to do more to address the rise in racial, religious, and ethnically charged acts of harassment, intimidation, and fear on campus. We must be clear: hate of any form is unacceptable. We hope this bill will spark needed conversations and spur action to help students and universities come together,” said Rep. Jarrells. “I want to thank Rep. Pizzulli, my colleagues in the Jewish Caucus and the student voices we’ve been listening to on this matter for joining me in these efforts. Their support, perspectives, and leadership have been key to developing a bill that I’m optimistic can bring forth positive change.”

The members of the Jewish Caucus, Reps. Casey Weinstein (D-Hudson), Dani Isaacsohn (D-Cincinnati) and Beryl Brown Piccolantonio (D–Gahanna), were all actively involved in the development of this important bill. 

“We owe it to our students to do two things at once: protect the freedoms enshrined in the first amendment while also making sure that all students live and learn in an environment free from harassment, discrimination, and hate,” the three members noted. “We have seen unacceptable levels of antisemitism and other forms of ethnic or religious prejudice. This bill is about transparency and accountability on our campuses, and empowering students to foster trust and build bridges across differences. That is how we move forward as a community, and we are grateful for the bipartisan, community-driven effort to get us there.”

This bill provides funding for emergency security efforts as well as grants to promote interfaith and community-building initiatives on campus. The lawmakers involved know that legislation cannot eliminate hate and prejudice, but are instead hopeful that with the right structures, transparency, and incentives, universities can foster safer and more inclusive cultures on campus.