Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and spoke about several pieces of legislation proposed in the Ohio legislature that she believes are an attack on education or democracy. She also gave updates on multiple organizing campaigns.
Cropper discussed House Joint Resolution 1, which would change the threshold to pass voter-iniated changes to the Ohio Constitution. Presently, the threshold to pass a voter-initiated constitution amendment is a majority vote - 50 percent plus one. If enacted, H.J.R. 1 would require more than a simple majority, 60 percent to pass. Cropper feels this is a power grab, as it takes away power from the voters and gives it to politicians.
She also spoke about Senate Bill 83, which she said would interfere with college curriculum, restrict diversity and equity training, make campuses safe for hate speech and decrease the number of public employees allowed to strike. Cropper and the OFT are opposed to this bill, which she said will limit academic freedom, increase prejudice and strong-arm faculty into unfunded mandates.
Cropper then talked about school funding and provided updates on several organizing campaigns including the KIPP Columbus charter schools, Miami University, Ohio (Faculty Alliance of Miami, AAUP-AFT) and various public libraries.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more about these topics: