Clermont Times

Representative Adam Bird of New Richmond has expressed his support for Senate Bill 1, a legislative proposal aimed at reforming higher education in Ohio. The bill seeks to align university programs with workforce needs, eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and enhance institutional accountability.

Bird stated, "I will always support intellectual diversity on college campuses. We should protect our students from forced endorsement of a given ideology."

The proposed legislation includes several key changes for state institutions. It aims to remove DEI programs to prevent what it describes as institutional discrimination and indoctrination. It also emphasizes protecting freedom of speech and promoting equality by ensuring diverse perspectives are welcomed in educational settings.

Additionally, the bill proposes measures to ensure uninterrupted education by prohibiting faculty strikes or walkouts that could hinder student progress. It mandates performance evaluations for tenured faculty to maintain high educational standards.

To keep educational programs relevant to Ohio's workforce needs, the bill suggests sunsetting programs with low graduation rates. Furthermore, it prioritizes education in American Civics and capitalism while enforcing restrictions against foreign influence from the People's Republic of China.

The bill is set to proceed to the Ohio Senate for a concurrence vote.