Rep. Jim Thomas Votes in Support of Senate Bill 1

Representative Jim Thomas (R-Jackson Township) voted yesterday 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 pleased that this bill requires institutions to treat all students, faculty, and staff as individuals and provide no advantage or disadvantage based on race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression with regards to admissions, hiring, promotion, tenure, or workplace conditions,” said Representative Thomas. 

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.
• Protect Freedom of Speech and Promote Equality: Ensures that Ohioans’ opinions are safe from being silenced or marginalized and may receive due discussion, protecting all students and faculty, and encourages an environment that welcomes diverse perspectives at Ohio higher education institutions. 
• 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.