State School Board resolution bullies LGBTQ+ youth, hurts hungry children 

COLUMBUS – Today, State Rep. Michael Skindell (D-Lakewood) issued a statement after the Ohio State School Board of Education voted in favor of a resolution that urges local school districts to disregard a new federal rule requiring schools to investigate claims of discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. By disregarding the federal rule, schools would risk losing breakfast and lunch funding for students. 

“This State Board of Education Resolution is yet again another egregious and harmful attempt to attack and isolate transgender children,” said Rep. Skindell.  “It is our duty as elected officials to protect all students in Ohio, but this Resolution actively puts them in harm’s way. I support the important proposed federal rule changes to expand Title IX to protect transgender students from discrimination.”

State school report cards released in September show that student test scores in subjects like English and math remain below pre-pandemic levels. 

Rep. Skindell is the sponsor of the Ohio Fairness Act, which would make it illegal to discriminate against someone based on their sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. Right now, Ohioans can be fired, kicked out of their homes, and even denied services simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The Ohio Fairness Act has been introduced ten times over multiple General Assemblies, but has only received one hearing in the 134th General Assembly.