YSU
Resolution in Opposition to Senate Bill 24
(The
Academic Senate at Youngstown State University approved the
following resolution with one dissenting vote at a regular
meeting on February 2, 2005.)
WHEREAS,
Senate Bill 24, also sometimes described as an "academic
bill of rights," has been introduced into the 126th session
of the Ohio General Assembly; and
WHEREAS, Senate Bill 24, if adopted into law, would impose
serious and unnecessary restrictions on the methods of
teaching, research, and grading used by college and
university faculty; and
WHEREAS, Senate Bill 24 contains language so vague as to
invite frivolous and unwarranted challenges to practically
every aspect of university life; and
WHEREAS, Senate Bill 24 imposes a chilling redefinition of
academic freedom by insisting that instructors not
introduce controversial matter into the classroom on a
"persistent" basis; and
WHEREAS, Senate Bill 24 is superfluous because the student
rights that it purports to guarantee are already protected
by the Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and
Conduct, by other university policies, and by the Ohio and
United States Constitutions; and
WHEREAS, Senate Bill 24, although called an "academic bill
of rights" is actually a bill of restrictions, none of
which is necessary, and none of which is in furtherance of
the aims of higher education in this or any State;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Academic Senate of
Youngstown State University vigorously opposes Senate Bill
24, both in spirit and in substance;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this Resolution
shall be provided to the Ohio Faculty Council and to the
Academic Senate or similar body of every institution of
higher education within Ohio.
Adopted 2/2/2005
