Lake County Times

The National Association of Scholars, along with the Civics Alliance, has announced its endorsement of Senate Bill 1. The bill is sponsored by State Senator Jerry C. Cirino from Kirtland, Ohio.

Senator Cirino expressed his satisfaction with the support, stating, "I am elated that the National Association of Scholars and the Civics Alliance once again stands with us on promoting intellectual freedom on campus." He emphasized their shared mission to foster civil debate and protect free speech in higher education institutions across Ohio. According to Cirino, this endorsement signifies progress towards achieving excellence in the state's educational system.

The association highlighted that "SB 1 will do an extraordinary amount to depoliticize Ohio’s public higher education system, strengthen intellectual diversity, and restore its accountability to Ohio policymakers and citizens."

Previously, the organization endorsed Senate Bill 83 from the last General Assembly, which served as a precursor to Senate Bill 1. They also commended Senator Cirino for legislation that established academic civic centers at five public universities. The association remarked on the success of Ohio SB 117 as a positive precedent for SB 1: "Ohioans can now look at the success of Ohio SB 117 as another reason to look favorably on SB 1... now Ohio’s centers are up and running, joining their colleagues doing similar work around the country."

Senator Cirino noted the successful implementation of civic centers at some colleges in Ohio: "As the association notes, we were successful in bringing civic centers to some of our colleges, and those have been welcomed by many as they open their doors." He underscored that this achievement lays a foundation for students' futures as they advocate through Senate Bill 1.

The National Association of Scholars is dedicated to reforming higher education by upholding liberal arts standards that encourage intellectual freedom, truth-seeking, and virtuous citizenship.