Ohio Introduces its own “Don’t Say Gay” bill
The Columbus Dispatch.The bill also bans teachers from broaching other “divisive concepts” such as the 1619 Project, so-called “critical race theory,” intersectional theory, inherited racial guilt, diversity, equity, and inclusion learning outcomes, or “any other concept that the state board of education defines as divisive or inherently racist,” such as lessons or materials that portray America as an inherently racist nation or that are critical of the country’s past. ‘”The classroom is a place that seeks answers for our children without political activism,” Schmidt said in a statement. “Parents deserve and should be provided a say in what is taught to their children in schools.”But Ohio State Board of Education Member Christina Collins said some of the bill’s provisions are highly ambiguous, and ignore the fact that school districts already have policies in place around the teaching of controversial issues. While Schmidt and Loychik have avoided interviews with the press, Collins believes that Ohio’s decision to target “instructional materials” as well as classroom discussions, is likely to result in removing books with LGBTQ characters or content from elementary school libraries.The Ohio Education Association and the Ohio Federation of Teachers both oppose the legislation. “It’s rally going to put both teachers and parents in a really tough spot,” OEA President Scott DiMauro said of the bill.