House Bill 616 is sponsored by Representatives
Jean Schmidt (R-Loveland) and Mike Loychik (R-Bazetta)
OHIO HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES: Office of Jean Schmidt & Mike Loychik
COLUMBUS, OH (June 1, 2022) – On Tuesday, May 31, the Ohio House State and Local Government Committee heard House Bill 616 for sponsor testimony. Representatives Jean Schmidt (R-Loveland) and Mike Loychik (R-Bazetta) sponsored this legislation.
Representative Jean Schmidt testifies on Ohio House floor (Provided)
Representative Mike Loychik (Provided)
House Bill 616 is legislation that would prohibit schools from using textbooks and imposing curriculum that promotes or endorses divisive and inherently racist concepts.
The measure would also restrict providing curriculum on sexual orientation or gender identity in kindergarten through third grade education. This key focus of the bill is to make certain Ohio’s children are taught materials that are appropriate for their age.
“All children deserve and should receive an education that is impartial, balanced and age appropriate,” Loychik said. “This legislation encourages free and fair discussion between our educators and their pupils.”
Loychik noted that the bill has been drafted to stress that all people are equal regardless of their skin color, race, sex, religion, or national origin.
“Our classrooms are supposed to be free from political activism while answers are discovered by the students themselves, not through indoctrination,” Schmidt said.
The legislation will require the State Board of Education to develop a process to file complaints against educators who have violated the provisions of the bill.
The parents deserve and should be provided a say in what is taught to their children in schools. The intent of this bill is to provide them with the tools to be able to see what their child is being taught.
House Bill 616 now awaits a second and third hearing for proponent and opponent testimony.
State Representative Mike Loychik is currently serving his first term in the Ohio House of Representatives. He represents the 63rd Ohio House District, which includes portions of Trumbull County.
State Representative Jean Schmidt is serving her first term in the Ohio House of Representatives. She represents the 65th house district, which includes northwestern Clermont County.
For more information, contact Rep. Schmidt’s office at (614) 466-8134 or rep65@ohiohouse.gov.
