Ohio State Board of Education repeals its anti-racism resolution

Ohio’s State Board of Education repealed an anti-racism resolution Wednesday night and replaced it with one condemning any teachings that “seek to divide.”

Supporters of the new resolution say it sends a much better message to local school districts about how they should approach difficult issues like racism and slavery.

But opponents say the new language could give people with potentially racist views the ammunition to pressure districts into canceling good diversity and inclusion programs.

The board passed Resolution 20 in July 2020 – just a few weeks after the murder of George Floyd by a Minnesota Police officer.

“As our nation grapples with the hard truths of racism and inequality, we are listening with broken hearts and engaging with determined spirits,” the resolution stated.

Resolution 20

It went on to say that Ohio’s children of color score lower than their white counterparts and are less likely to graduate high school or take Advanced Placement classes. And that “the path to equity begins with a deep understanding of the history of inequalities and inhumanity and how they have come

to impact current society.”

Resolution 20 then directed the Ohio Department of Education to examine its curriculums and standardized tests for biases and provide training for all its employees on implicit bias. And it suggested local school

The resolution quickly became a lightning rod in the debate over teaching about race in Ohio classrooms, drawing dozens of protesters and counterprotesters to state board meetings in recent months.

The board is also being sued over its decision to limit public comments on the topic.

Replacement offered

Opponents of Resolution 20 said its wording intentionally opened the door for districts to teach “disturbing” and “divisive” material about racism and identity.

Board member Brandon Shea called it “a crisis in our nation and our country.”

So, he drafted Resolution 13 as a replacement.

In it, he raised concerns about Ohio’s achievement gaps, but he also “observed not only a growing national divide but a troubling focus on the color of one’s skin rather than on the content of one’s character.” Even though all the recommendations for Ohio schools were repealed by Resolution 13, board member Christina Collins said she thinks a lot of that work will continue.