Ohio Republicans introduce bill mirroring Florida's education law

Originally Published on KATV 7

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Two Ohio Republican state representatives introduced a bill to prevent schools from teaching "inherently racist concepts." It also restricts the teaching of instructional materials on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Republican state Reps. Mike Loychik and Jean Schmidt introduced House Bill 616. The language of the bill regarding sexual orientation and gender identity is similar to parts of Florida's controversial "Don't Say Gay" law.

The Florida law, titled "Parental Rights in Education,'"bars instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through the third grade.

Critics say banning lessons about gender identity and sexual orientation marginalizes LGBTQ people and their presence in society. Proponents say Florida's law is intended to keep parents informed of what children learn and are exposed to in schools.

Ohio's HB 616 has similar language baring the same age groups from receiving instructional materials or curriculum on those topics.

For students in grades 4 through 12, instruction is barred that is "not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards."

Ohio's bill would go further than Florida's. It would also prevent the teaching of so-called "inherently racist concepts" including:

• Critical race theory

• Intersectional theory

• The 1619 project

• Diversity, equity, and inclusion learning outcomes

• Inherited racial guilt

• "Any other concept that the state board of education defines as divisive or inherently racist"

Under the bill, an individual could file a complaint against a teacher, school administrator, or district superintendent for violating those restrictions. Penalties range from affecting licensure to withholding state funds…