OSU civics center bill should be scrutinized by reps

Students across the country have already showed what they think of the government-mandated "intellectual diversity centers" popping up in some states. Further, voters' rightful displeasure with such a blatant attempt at government overreach has been evident. Yet calculating politicians just can't help themselves. Ohio Sen. Jerry Cirinio, R-Kirtland, has introduced Senate Bill 461, Enact the Strengthening Ohio Civics Act, which would give the Salmon P. Chase center for civics, culture and society — a purportedly independent unit within Ohio State University — "all the rights and privileges of an independent college of the university." The change would make the center's director a dean, and the center itself a "school," with "no faculty outside of the center (having) a role in center faculty promotion and tenure." The bill also notes "Nothing in this section precludes the ability for the center to apply for external funding opportunities." And, it stresses "The university shall provide adequate annual financial resources to the center to achieve its mission, as determined by the director," while also noting the center will still get money appropriated by the state. It goes on to allow the center to receive all tuition and revenue from all courses it offers, and gives the center authority to create independent endowments. Under the bill, the center's dean has "exclusive authority" to recruit, hire and fire all faculty and staff; and "exclusive, and unlimited authority" to oversee and develop curriculum, including deciding whether the center's courses meet the university's general education requirements. Yes, the center would decide whether the center is doing its job for students. If you're wondering who the director and center would answer to, the politicians in Columbus can point you in the right direction. If you're wondering how taxpayer dollars got allocated to fight purported indoctrination with more indoctrination in the first place, perhaps you have some idea why those same politicians are in a rush to "strengthen" their centers. "Where are the questions about merit versus government handouts when it comes to the Chase Center?" Pranav Jani, associate English professor and past president of OSU's faculty advocacy group, told WCMH. "I think those are the kinds of questions (where) we should either ask them of everyone, or we should admit there's a political agenda that's being supported." SB 461 hasn't made it past the state Senate Higher Education Committee. Surely voters will let their representatives know: That's where it should stay.