2022-08 - Oppose "Divisive Concepts" bills

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Baker, Bullock, Kepple, Litten, RESOLUTION 2022-08 BY: O'Malley, Rader, Shachner A RESOLUTION to oppose and condemn in the strongest posse e manner io--rrousu— Bills 322 and 327, which seek to censor discussion and discourage critical thinking on topics regarding race, sex, and American history in Ohio's K-12 schools, institutions of higher education, and local governments. WHEREAS, House Bills 322 and 327, currently before the 134' Ohio General Assembly, seek to ban and restrict the teaching of "divisive concepts" and "the teaching of certain current events and concepts regarding race and sex in public schools," effectively revising history and whitewashing the education of Ohio's students on systemic racism and oppression of vulnerable populations that has occurred over the course of American history; and, WIJEREAS, House Bills 322 and 327 punish educators and school districts for exercising their free speech and professional discretion, threatening to withhold up to 100% of state funding and making teachers vulnerable to personal lawsuits, and, WHEREAS, by stifling critical thinking, writing, expression, and discussion House Bills 322 and 327 undermine the State's educational goals and compromise the accreditation of its academic programs; and, WHEREAS, House Bill 327 embodies extreme government overreach and disregard for home rule in its attempt to police the content of professional development and training offered by Ohio's local governments to its employees and contractors; and, WHEREAS, this Council stands by its convictions to promote a diverse, civically engaged, and conscientious community, which can be further achieved through the exploration of race, gender, and culture in educational and civic settings; and, WHEREAS, this Council supports the City of Lakewood's Anti -Racism Task Force's opposition to House Bills 322 and 327 and, despite this harmful legislation, remains undeterred in its commitment to assist the Task Force in its work to ensure that the value of anti -racism is foundational and unambiguously expressed in all city objectives, such as safety, housing, education, culture, and community wellness. Now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY OF LAKEWOOD, OHIO: Section 1. That this Council does hereby oppose and condemn Ohio House Bills 322 and 327 and their blatant attacks on free speech and education in the State of Ohio. Section 2. That the Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to send a copy of this resolution to Lakewood's state representative and state senator as well as the Chairs of the House State and Local Government Committee, the Committee in which this legislation is currently pending.