Ohio conservatives target liberal ideologies in higher education

The Ohio House has passed a major higher education bill aimed at addressing what conservatives call liberal "indoctrination" in colleges. The bill, more than 76 pages long, received approval on Wednesday and applies to the state's public universities and community colleges. Supporters, including Republican lawmakers, argue that this legislation will help students think critically about controversial topics such as climate change and immigration. It requires professors to encourage students to form their own opinions on these issues. Additionally, it mandates a three-hour course on American civic literacy and introduces stricter reviews for faculty members after they gain tenure. Opponents of the bill, including many professors and students, have raised concerns that it could diminish the quality of education. There have been widespread protests and nearly 800 testimonies submitted against the bill, with critics warning it could lead to the acceptance of false narratives, such as Holocaust denial. Despite this opposition, the bill moved quickly through the state legislature, reflecting a strong push by Ohio conservatives to reshape the state's higher education system.