Rep. Workman Votes in Support of Senate Bill 1

Representative Heidi Workman (R-Rootstown) today voted in support of Senate Bill 1 – legislation that works to bring a “Students First” agenda to Ohio public universities. 

Senate Bill 1 works to reform higher education by aligning with Ohio’s workforce needs, eliminating DEI programs, trainings, and orientations, and promoting institutional stability, accountability, and transparency. 

“I am incredibly proud to stand behind Senate Bill 1, a vital step in ensuring Ohio’s higher education system remains focused on academic excellence, opportunity, and fairness for all students,” said Workman. “I was elected to carry out policies that promote accountability, workforce readiness, and an education system free from ideological barriers. This bill reaffirms our commitment to a balanced and transparent learning environment that serves every student equitably.”

This legislation would make the following changes at the state’s institutions of higher education:

·       DEI Elimination: Eliminates institutional discrimination and indoctrination by removing DEI programs, trainings, and orientations.

·       Expand Freedom of Speech and Promote Equality: Strengthens free expression to ensure that all viewpoints can be openly discussed and debated without institutional limitations. This legislation reinforces Ohioans’ right to share ideas without fear of suppression, creating a campus environment where diverse perspectives are not only allowed but encouraged in academic discussion.

·       Ensure Uninterrupted Education: Prevents situations where students cannot graduate or otherwise progress with their studies by prohibiting faculty strikes or walkouts.

·       Ensure High Quality Education: Requires institutions to evaluate tenured faculty who are not meeting performance expectations, ensuring continued high-quality education and rigor after a faculty member is granted tenure status. 

·       Ensure Workforce Relevance: Ensures that institutions of higher education remain relevant and connected to Ohio’s workforce needs by sunsetting programs that average fewer than five degrees over a three-year period.

·       Prioritize Civics and Capitalism Education: Ensures Ohio students have a foundational understanding of American Civics and capitalism.

·       Enforce Foreign Influence Restrictions: Safeguards Ohio’s institutions from interference and influence by the People’s Republic of China.

The bill now moves to the Ohio Senate for a concurrence vote.