While Athens County and Ohio University’s campus, in particular, often feels like a bubble of inclusivity and progressive policies, we are not only members of the Bobcat community but also the greater Ohio community. Higher Education Institutions have been hubs for social justice, dissent, and free-thinking, making them a place where young adults thrive and develop their own voices. Yet, despite the rich history of social justice within such institutions, many policies created and advocated within the Ohio General Assembly and other elected positions, unfortunately, are not reflective of the change many of us wish to make in the Buckeye State or the world.
College students have always been agents of change, advocating for policies and decisions that shape their futures. However, our influence is increasingly at stake, as the integrity of our higher education institutions and our voting rights face unprecedented challenges. Here is what's at stake with this year's election:
Restriction of Academic Freedom: Senate Bill 83
Senate Bill 83 positions itself as the Higher Education Enhancement Act, purportedly designed to promote campus free speech. However, its controversial and ambiguous language has become a danger to the freedom of speech and academia within a college campus. Of the many controversies within the bill, its impact on the heart of higher education is particularly troubling. In an environment where colleges thrive on critical analysis and free-thinking, this bill threatens to undermine the very foundation of academic inquiry and the dynamic exchange of ideas that are central to the educational experience.
The bill restricts faculty and staff from influencing students’ beliefs on controversial topics, including climate change, electoral politics, foreign policy, diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, immigration policy, marriage, and abortion (lines #735-739). This broad definition threatens a curriculum that is designed to foster diverse perspectives and open discussions on important social and political issues. While the bill allows for classroom debate if intellectual diversity is maintained (lines #847-850), the vague criteria for what counts as intellectual diversity creates uncertainty. This can lead to self-censorship, with educators avoiding certain topics to stay within unclear boundaries, ultimately limiting meaningful academic exploration. Review the policy platforms and agendas of candidates running for the Ohio House or Ohio Senate. Take action to stop SB 83!
Challenges to Reproductive Freedom
As of December 2023, the Ohio Constitution now explicitly states that Ohioans have the right to reproductive freedom, including making decisions about contraception, fertility treatment, pregnancy continuation, miscarriage care, and abortion. Although this amendment provides a foundation for protecting reproduction freedom in Ohio, our rights can still be restricted on a national level, and Ohio state and local governments can still provide restrictions through alternate methods.
Current bills within the Ohio House:
- House Bill 475: State funding shall not be given directly or indirectly to any entity that supports, promotes, or provides abortions.
- House Bill 502: Protection of assisted reproduction care for Ohioans.
- House Bill 343: Repeal existing statutes related to abortion care and protections of data privacy, nondiscrimination, and evidence-based care.
These types of legislation impact our reproductive rights and freedoms. Staying informed and engaged in legislative processes is essential for protecting our liberties. The struggle for bodily autonomy is ongoing, making it more important than ever to actively participate in securing and defending our rights.
LGBTQ+ Equality: Emerging Legislative Threats
Despite the ongoing efforts to advance LGBTQ+ rights in Ohio, significant challenges remain, particularly with recent legislative developments. HB 68, which bans gender-affirming medical care for trans youth and prohibits trans women and girls from participating in sports, was signed into Ohio law. However, this legislation is currently in litigation. We are advocating against harmful barriers to care and inclusion for all LGBTQ+ Ohioans.
Current Bills Within the Ohio Legislature:
- Legislative Support
- Senate Bill 132: Enact the Ohio Fairness Act to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.
- Legislative Threat
- House Bill 8: Parents Bill of Rights allows for parental control and transparency in education but can infringe on student privacy, leading to a forced outing.
As various bills in the Ohio House and Senate continue to target and threaten the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ individuals, it's crucial that we continue to remain vigilant and vocal in opposing these restrictive measures. This also means supporting those working to protect LGBTQ+ rights, ensuring the continuation of advocating for equality and nondiscrimination. Take action to stop HB 8!
Anti-Voter Laws
Restrictive voting laws and redistricting in Ohio are significant barriers to the election process, making it harder for students to participate in the democratic process. New anti-voter laws not only restrict the type of ID cards that can be used but have also shortened the window to request absentee ballots. This affects college students in multiple ways. Many students have limited time to navigate the absentee ballot process due to academic commitments and others may not have one of the recognized state IDs, making it difficult for them to meet the identification requirements for voting. This makes it difficult for students to participate in elections, especially if they are registered to vote in a different district or state.
To advocate for change, your involvement begins when you submit your ballots on election day. Every voice matters, and every vote counts, so stay engaged, stay informed, and continue to support the legislation and officials who can shape the progress you seek.
Visit the ACLU of Ohio Vote Center for more information.
