by JD Davidson
While they await Gov. Mike DeWine’s signature, Jewish leaders in the Ohio Legislature are praising the passage of a bill that gives Ohio colleges and universities the tools to promote student safety and inclusive environments.
On Friday, the Ohio Jewish Caucus celebrated the passage of the Campus Accountability and Modernization to Protect University Students Act (CAMPUS Act), which the House and Senate approved during a marathon session that ended early Thursday morning.
Jewish Caucus members Reps. Casey Weinstein, D-Hudson, Dani Isaacsohn, D-Cincinnati, and Beryl Brown Piccolantonio, D-Gahana, joined Reps. Dontavius Jarrell, R-Columbus, and Justin Pizzulli, R-Scioto County, to push the bill through.
“The CAMPUS Act is essential to creating a safe, inclusive and respectful learning environment,” said State Rep. Pizzulli (pictured above) he said during a speech on the floor about this measure. “This bill not only protects students, but also promotes a campus culture of respect and understanding that is essential to every student’s academic and personal development.”
After DeWine signed the bill – the so-called Bill No. 606 – Would provide emergency security measures and grants to promote interfaith and community-building initiatives on campuses.
“Every student deserves to live, learn and develop in an environment where they feel safe and respected,” wrote members of the Jewish Club in a statement. “This year has brought tremendous upheaval on our campuses, and we have spent months listening to diverse student voices share their concerns, frustrations and desires. We hope the Campuses Act will create a healthier and safer environment when students return to schools this fall.”
How previously reported The bill, passed by The Center Square, provides grants for campus safety, intergroup and interfaith grants, and implements anti-harassment policies at colleges and universities.
Also on Friday, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed a $4.2 billion state capital budget and $700 million in spending on community projects.
The $700 one-time expense comes from excess state taxes.
As previously reported according to The Center Square, the projects and capital budget include $600 million for schools to build up-to-date facilities and $200 million for the state fairgrounds.
SB292 contains $572 million for the Public Works Commission and $310 million for the Department of Natural Resources.
It also allocates $8.5 million for Millikin interchange improvements, $20 million for the Cuyahoga County Northcoast Connecter, $8 million for Bedrock Riverfront Development and $7 million for the expansion and renovation of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Other projects include $18.5 million for the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, $10 million for the downtown Columbus Capital Line, $12 million for the Cedarville Opera House and $16.3 million for the Ohio Library and Information Network.
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JD Davidson is a regional editor at Central Square.
Photo by “State Rep. Justin Pizzulli” Ohio State Legislature.
