Republicans Prioritize Censorship, Discrimination Over Freedoms, Economic Growth with SB 1's Passage

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Tristan Rader (D-Lakewood) today responded to the House passage of Senate Bill (SB) 1, the Higher Education Destruction Act: 

“This legislation undermines academic freedom, suppresses diverse perspectives, and imposes a restrictive ideological framework on public colleges and universities,” said Rep. Rader. “When politicians get to decide which topics are “acceptable” for discussion, we don’t get education. We get disinformation. This bill creates an environment where professors must choose between teaching the truth or keeping their jobs. This is not just a battle for academic freedom, it’s a fight for the future of Ohio itself.” 

In trying to solve problems that do not exist, SB 1 creates new issues that will increase costs, stifle growth, and prevent Ohio’s young adults from reaching their full potential. While there were only two dozen proponents which testified in support of this legislation in the House, over seven hundred came out in opposition. 

This legislation now heads to the Senate for concurrence.