Leader Sykes issues statement about the resignation of Dr. Amy Acton

COLUMBUS—Today, House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) released the following statement about the unexpected resignation of Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton:

“Dr. Amy Acton has done an exceptional job leading this state during an incredibly difficult time. Her thoughtful, considerate leadership gained national attention and her service to the state of Ohio cannot be understated. She has saved countless lives and deserves our gratitude,”  said Leader Sykes. “If I could share anything with her, it would be Genesis 50:20 – ‘You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.’

Having an abusive legislature constantly introducing and passing bills to curb her power in the middle of a pandemic had to have been difficult to withstand. Having anti-Semitic insults being hurled at her by elected officials and protestors camped out on her family’s lawn must have been upsetting. Having an entire Economic Recovery Task Force created to undermine and criticize the well-informed and best-intentioned actions she was taking to save lives had to have been insulting.  

We have seen these types of sustained GOP hate-filled attacks before; we see them today as news spreads a state senator doesn’t understand why it is offensive to ask if ‘colored’ people are getting COVID-19 because we are dirty and House Republicans unapologetically vote to defend the Confederate flag – a symbol of racism and hate. Historically, these types of abusive tactics to bully and intimidate have proven to be successful which is why they continue to be used. And over and over again, good people suffer and are silenced or even forced to resign.

I wish Dr. Acton the very best and thank her for her service to the state of Ohio and the nation.”

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