Ohio House Bill 616 pairs some of the most harmful parts of Ohio’s Curriculum Ban, HB 327, with an even more drastic version of Florida’s Don’t Say Gay Bill. This legislation, sponsored by Reps. Jean Schmidt and Mike Loychik, is so broad that it could censor regular conversations about the experiences and families of LGBTQ+ Ohioans, even at high schools. 

And that’s not all.

HB 616 might as well be called a ban on mentioning race, too. The bill not only censors critical race theory and the New York Times 1619 Project but also censors “diversity, equity, and inclusion learning outcomes” and “any other concept that the state board of education defines as divisive or inherently racist.” This language is exceedingly vague and broad and will make it open season on free speech in schools. HB 616 leaves room to ban discussions about anything and everything these fringe politicians decide they don’t like. Read our press release to learn more.

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What Can You Do? 

Contact the Committee Chair (Waiting on Assignment)

Call House Speaker Cupp at (614) 466-9624

Submit Testimony on HB 616: Here.

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