By Whitney Wilson-Harris —
What if it was possible that you would no longer be able to go to school because of the fact you’re disabled? It wouldn’t be that the school wouldn’t be handicap accessible, rather it would be that the teachers wouldn’t have the necessary training to provide you with the accommodations that you need. What if it was possible that all your favorite teachers would be fired? What if it was possible that the major that you are currently studying, and love so much, would become illegal? All of these things and more will not just be possibilities, but realities, if Senate Bill 83 passes and is signed into law.
On Monday, April 24, 2023, a large group of students gathered outside of the Armstrong Student Center, located in the center of the Oxford Campus, to protest the making of SB 83, and to spread awareness to other students on campus.
Ashley Reynolds, a freshman majoring in Social Justice, was one student who helped to organize the protest. She came here from Illinois specifically for this major. If the bill is passed, it would not only destroy her major, but also Miami’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) program. When asked for comment, she stated, “Miami has had so much improvement, and this bill would basically set us back several years.” When asked why this bill was even thought up in the first place, another student answered, “Honestly, I think they’re scared of us, scared of students working together, across race, across class, etc. They don’t want the status quo to change.”
Another student, who is a soon-to-be graduate of Miami University, expressed her concern of the future of her majors for others: “I’m a social justice major, and luckily I’m graduating, but I would be afraid that other people wouldn’t get those opportunities.” “Ohio already has such a lack of unique voices, and this bill would make that worse; in a place that needs diverse voices you should be able to value the skills, especially when you pay this much money,” said another student. Another student expressed her concern for the future of her professors. A lot of the professors in her Architecture classes are International (from other countries), and she is afraid that, should this bill pass, they will be asked to leave. A concern was also expressed for the curriculum in her design classes: “A lot of the design work that we do is cultural, so I’m afraid that would be censored.”
Other student concerns included not being able to learn about DEI and organizations based upon that aspect, because it affects communities and working with others, and the freedom of the faculty. Another student said: “The freedom of the teachers, and what they could teach about, and what they could say, is at stake.” There was also a concern from a soon-to-be-graduate for when it came time to get a Master’s Degree, if one chose to do so. “If I wanted to stay in-state (Ohio) to get my Master’s degree, that would prohibit me from doing that, because what kind of education could I get if there is no curriculum?” It’s a safe bet to say that with the proposal of SB 83, college education, and college as we know it, is at stake.
Marc Curnette, a visiting Assistant Professor in Social Justice, was the faculty advisor for Monday’s event. When asked if he was afraid that his job was at stake, he replied, “Of course, but my bigger concern is the curriculum, and for the public education in Ohio. That’s my biggest concern.” Ohio college students can help by reaching out to their senators. It should be noted that you do not have to be an Ohio resident to do this, you just have to go to school in Ohio. If SB 83 concerns you, information on how to reach out to your senators is below. Everyone should be concerned. The future of higher education in Ohio depends on it.
How to contact your Senator/Representative:
Calling is the best and easiest way to make an impact. You can leave a message for your state Representative, or State Senator, by calling 1-(800)-282-0253, between the hours of 8:30am-5:00pm Monday-Friday. After these hours, you may find the phone number for your State Representative by visiting www.ohiohouse.gov, and the phone number for your State Senator by going to www.ohiosenate.gov.