Representative Kishman Votes in Support of Senate Bill 1

Representative Matthew Kishman (R-Minerva) recently 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. 

“It’s about time we had a decisive return to normalcy in our universities. I don’t remember the culture being this toxic, and I don’t want my kids or anyone else’s in this state to have to put up with it either,” said Representative Kishman. “More than ever, we need competent, confident professionals with tangible, future-proof skills. Institutional DEI programs were, and to a large extent remain, a considerable roadblock to this end.”

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 Ohio Senate concurred the bill, and it now moves to the office of the Governor.