Letters: Against diversity, equity and inclusion? 'You are very likely a bigot and racist'

Wake up from the nonsense

I read, with disbelief, the March 16 article "Ohio lawmakers consider education overhaul" regarding the so-called Ohio Higher Education Enhancement Act, Senate Bill 83.

I'm all for free speech, but if you are against diversity, equity and inclusion, you are very likely a bigot and a racist. A diverse, equitable and inclusive society is the ultimate aspiration of the America I know and love.

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This proposed bill does nothing to enhance higher education in Ohio, it's just more anti-woke nonsense. If seeing the obvious means I'm "woke" then I'm happy to not be asleep.

Bill Morris, Columbus

Woke isn't what you may think

What is woke?

Woke is believing that a little girl who is raped and impregnated should have access to an abortion, and that couples have the right to plan for the sizes of their own families.

Woke is knowing that every child needs and deserves a free public education based on science and facts in order to have intelligent voters.

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Woke is realizing the beauty of this earth and the importance of preserving the animals and the forests and the oceans and the air we breathe.

Woke is seeing that when people ban books, they are trying to control us.

Janet Hanson, Worthington

More:How to submit a letter to the editor for The Columbus Dispatch

1,000-foot school safety zones needed

I am writing to express my concerns about school safety in our community and to advocate for the implementation of 1,000-foot school safety zones in Ohio.

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As a resident of New Albany, I believe that ensuring the safety of our children and educators should be a top priority. By extending school safety zones to encompass a larger buffer around our schools, we can create a safer learning environment and help deter potential threats.The federal Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 establishes a 1,000-foot buffer around public, parochial, or private schools within which firearms are generally prohibited, subject to certain exceptions. However, the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) defines "school safety zone" more narrowly, encompassing a school, school building, school premises, school activity, and any school bus, without specifying a 1,000-foot boundary.States such as California and New York have already implemented 1,000-foot school safety zones in their legislation. California's Gun-Free School Zone Act of 1995 and New York Penal Law Section 265.01-a both serve as examples of how state-level legislation can enhance school safety by creating a more extensive buffer around educational institutions.

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I urge our state legislators to explore the possibility of introducing state legislation that establishes 1,000-foot school safety zones in Ohio. While the proposed legislation may raise concerns about enforcement, its impact on lawful gun owners, and potential conflicts with existing laws, I believe that with careful consideration and stakeholder input, it is possible to develop a policy that balances individual rights and public safety concerns.As a community, we must prioritize the safety and well-being of our children and educators. Let us advocate for the expansion of school safety zones in Ohio and work together to create a safer environment for learning and growth.

Ryan Sevey, New Albany

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Letters: The anti-woke nonsense has got to stop