EC Ohio News

COLUMBUS – House Higher Education Committee yesterday initiated hearings on House Bill 394, a legislative measure aimed at safeguarding speech in Ohio’s public higher education institutions. The bill sponsor, State Rep. Adam Holmes (R-Nashport), announced the proceedings.

House Bill 394 seeks to shield students and staff from mandatory political action or belief within public higher education institutions through several key provisions. It prohibits these institutions from mandating support for specific ideologies or political movements among employees, students, or job applicants. The bill also ensures protection for the general discussion of political movements, ideologies, and social action within the classroom. Additionally, it upholds the free speech rights of public higher education employees, students, and job applicants. Furthermore, the bill allows for public access to all higher education policies and instructional materials related to political movements, ideology, or social action.

In his sponsor testimony, Holmes emphasized the importance of upholding American values and the core mission of higher education. He stated, "To remain consistent with fundamental American values and the purpose of higher education, Ohio’s higher education institutions must be forums for open expression, new ideas, and diverse opinions and experiences."

House Bill 394 is currently pending further consideration by the House Higher Education Committee.