Cleveland, OH
Ohio House Committee Passes Bill Banning Trans Athletes From Women’s Sports, Talks Higher Ed Bill
The Ohio Channel
Sponsor Rep. Jena Powell
The controversial bill that would prevent trans athletes from participating in Ohio women’s sports and youth athletics passed by a 8-6 vote in the Higher Education Committee on Wednesday morning.
All five Democrats on the committee and State rep. Gayle Manning, R- North Ridgeville, voted against the bill.
State Rep. Jena Powell, R-Arcanum, introduced House Bill 6 in February, dubbed “Save Women’s Sports Act” saying it’s a fairness issue.
“All that girls are asking for is a fair shot, and to be given the chance to play and win by the rules in the sports that they love,” Powell said in a news release. “That opportunity is being ripped from them by biological males.”
HB 6 would require separate single-sex athletic teams and allows athletes to file a civil lawsuit “if the participant is deprived of an athletic opportunity or suffers harm as a result of a violation of the bill’s single-sex participation requirements or if the participant is subject to retaliation for reporting such a violation,” according to an analysis by the nonpartisan Legislative Service Commission.
There are only six transgender high school female student athletes in Ohio, and of those, only three have been approved to play in the current spring sports season, the OCJ previously reported.
Currently, if a trans girl wants to play on a team with cis girls, she must go through hormone treatments for at least one year or show no physical or physiological advantages, according to the Ohio High School Athletic Association.
The bill, which now awaits further consideration in the House, has received lots of pushback from parents, students, activists and clergy members.
Twenty-one legislatures across the country have enacted their own versions of the Save Women’s Sports Act.
House Bill 151
The House Higher Education Committee heard sponsor and proponent testimony for House Bill 151, the companion bill to Senate Bill 83 — the massive higher education bill that would significantly change college campuses.
HB 151 was introduced by state Rep. Steve Demetriou, R-Bainbridge Twp., and state Rep. Josh Williams, R-Oregon, in April after state Sen. Jerry Cirino, R-Kirtland, introduced SB 83 in March.
All three legislators testified Wednesday and answered questions from committee members for almost an hour.
The original version of HB 151 would mainly impact public schools and would ban programs with Chinese schools, ban mandatory diversity training, prohibit university staff and employees from striking, require American history courses, and mandate tenure evaluations based on if the educator showed bias or taught with bias.
Revisions to SB 83 were adopted Tuesday during the Senate Workforce and Higher Education Committee meeting, and those same changes were adopted to HB 151 during Wednesday’s meeting.
Some of those revisions, among others, include clarifying the segregation of faculty and staff based on someone’s race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression is only prohibited in classroom settings, orientations and graduations; allowing mandatory diversity, equity, and inclusion training for certain exemptions; and existing college programs with Chinese institutions can remain as long as there are specific requirements in place.
“Students are at the core of HB 151 and SB 83,” Cirino said. “The main pillar of this legislation has been allowing students to receive an education that contains a broad range of perspectives, discussion, debate and ultimately true intellectual diversity.”
Williams testimony was nearly identical to the previous proponent testimony he gave for SB 83. In it, he shared his experience of attending the University of Toledo College of Law and being discriminated against by his professor and classmates after commenting in class that the United States should not adopt an open-border policy.
“Encouraged by this professor, classmates felt they could attack me as well, calling me a Nazi, a slave trader, an affront to my race, and an Uncle Tom,” he testified. “Situations like these arise whenever the narrative that is being taught by universities is challenged, and the threat of confrontation and being ostracized is often enough to stop open discussion in its tracks.”
State rep. Casey Weinstein, D-Hudson, said he is concerned Williams is taking his bad experience and extrapolating it across Ohio universities.
“How do you explain the content of this bill that I’m reading right here and what you are telling us about freedom of thought and intellectual diversity because it sounds like a Big Brother attack on free thought,” he said.
Williams responded by saying the bill doesn’t attack professors but instead would create a review process for faculty.
State rep. Joe Miller, D-Amherst, said he is worried HB 151 will drive professors and students away from Ohio’s colleges, and add bureaucratic work to universities. Several college students have said they will leave Ohio if SB 83 passes.
Demetriou disagreed with both points and and said the bill will open Ohio up to a wider pool of students and faculty.
“What we are saying is that you can’t demonstrate particular biases and require that students subscribe to a certain viewpoint in order to pass your class or get a good grade,” Williams said.
Those in favor of Hb 151
State rep. Adam Bird, R-New Richmond, said he has become aware of the “desperate need” for a bill like this after hearing about his four children’s college experiences.
“Often speech is condemned unless it’s liberal speech,” Bird said.
Madison Belletti, a senior at the University of Cincinnati and President of UC’s College Republicans, testified in favor of HB 151.
“This bill is vital to ensuring diversity of perspectives is protected on college campuses,” she testified. “Between my own personal experience in college and the stories I hear from other students on campus, extreme partisanship is pervasive, and it normally entirely falls on the left side of the aisle.”
She said she has lost friends, been accosted on campus and her grades have been penalized because of her difference of opinion.
“When professors and the administration are allowed to push one perspective onto students without fear of consequences or public scrutiny, students receive a subpar education, a culture of bullying is created, and innovative ideas are squashed,” she testified.
Originally published by the Ohio Capital Journal. Republished here with permission.
-Advertisement-
Cleveland, OH – Northeast Ohio residents should prepare for slick road conditions tonight as a system brings rain and wet snow to the region. The mix of precipitation is expected to begin after 9 p.m., with 1 to 2 inches of wet snow likely in areas east of Cleveland. Rain and sleet will dominate elsewhere, making evening travel hazardous.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the chance of precipitation is 90% overnight, with lows around 34 degrees. Winds will remain south at 10 to 14 mph, adding to potential challenges for commuters. The snow will taper off by Tuesday morning, giving way to cloudy skies and a high of 39 degrees.
Drivers are urged to exercise caution, particularly along I-90 and Route 2, where visibility may be reduced, and untreated roads could become icy. Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle and allow extra travel time.
Looking ahead, Christmas Day will bring a slight chance of rain in the afternoon with a high near 40. Temperatures are expected to rise into the mid-40s by Friday, providing a welcome break from winter weather. However, another rain system could move in by the weekend, keeping conditions damp.
Stay informed by checking local forecasts and signing up for weather alerts to ensure a safe holiday season.
Be sure to follow us on Instagram & like us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS!
December 22, 2024 – American Hockey League (AHL)
Rochester Americans News Release
(Cleveland, OH) – Zachary Metsa scored the game-winning-goal moments after Cleveland’s teddy bear toss tally, while Devon Levi and Rochester’s defense stood tall to secure a 3-2 win over the North Division rival Monsters Sunday afternoon at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
The win is Rochester’s fifth consecutive victory on the road, along with its sixth win over the past seven games. The Amerks improved to 16-9-3-0, giving them 37 points on the season and tying them with Cleveland for second in the North Division as the AHL starts its annual holiday break.
FIRST PERIOD
The Amerks jumped on the attack early with several scoring chances before breaking through under five minutes into the game. Brett Murray and Viktor Neuchev exchanged possession with the puck right in front of the net. Neuchev took a shot from the right side that was kicked free by Cleveland’s Zach Sawchenko. The bouncing puck was scooped up by Murray, who knocked it through multiple bodies and into the back of the goal for his team-leading 13th goal of the season.
For the first time, Josh Dunne scored against his former team. Dunne, who centered a hard-working line with Brendan Warren and Graham Slaggert, circled the zone with his linemates as Rochester maintained pressure throughout the shift. It culminated at the 10:11 mark of the first, when Warren slid a puck across to Metsa, who took a shot from the right point that Dunne tipped through traffic, eluding Sawchenko and doubling Rochester’s lead with Dunne’s fifth goal of the season.
SECOND PERIOD
Rochester dominated in shots with a 21-6 difference in the middle period, but Stanislav Svozil broke through first for Cleveland, taking a shot from the right wing with traffic taking the eyes away from Levi, making it 2-1 with 6:22 to play in the period. The goal served as the teddy bear toss goal for Cleveland, forcing the game into delay while thousands of stuffed animals were collected and donated.
After the festivities ended, the Amerks jumped right back into the action, scoring 35 seconds later with Metsa blasting a one-timer by Sawchenko. Metsa’s shot from the right point was unintentionally tipped by Cleveland defenseman Corson Ceulemans, surprising Sawchenko and putting the Amerks back up by a pair of goals, heading into the third period with a 3-1 advantage.
THIRD PERIOD
Cleveland notched the lone third-period goal in the dying seconds of the game when Daemon Hunt managed to solve Levi with 7.5 seconds remaining and the net pulled for the Monsters to have a 6-on-5 advantage. Nikita Novikov took a matching roughing penalty with Cleveland’s Owen Sillinger with 2:56 to play. The penalty was the lone infraction called against the Amerks as the red, white, and blue never allowed Cleveland a power play, marking the first time this season Rochester did not have to kill a penalty.
STARS AND STRIPES
With 23 saves, Levi picked up his ninth win of the season and his eighth in the last nine starts. The 22-year-old ranks eighth across the AHL 2.14 goals-against-average … Murray’s 13th goal of the season is his sixth in the last five games and 11th in the last 20 … The sixth-year pro is tied for the eighth-most goals in the AHL … Rochester extended its point streak in Cleveland to six games, going 5-0-1-0 in their last half dozen visits to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
UP NEXT
Rochester enters the AHL’s annual holiday break, with the team taking off Dec. 23-26. The Amerks return to play on Friday, Dec. 27 to begin a home-and-home weekend against the Utica Comets (6-14-1-2). The weekend begins at Blue Cross Arena with puck-drop slated for 7:05 p.m. Friday night and will be carried live on The Sports Leader 95.7 FM/950 AM The Fan Rochester as well as AHLTV on FloHockey.
Goal Scorers
CLE: S. Svozil (3), D. Hunt (1)
ROC: B. Murray (13), J. Dunne (5), Z. Metsa (2-GWG),
Goaltenders
CLE: Z. Sawchenko – 30/33 (L)
ROC: D. Levi – 23/25 (W)
Shots
CLE: 25
ROC: 33
Special Teams
CLE: PP (0/0) | PK (3/3)
ROC: PP (0/3) | PK (0/0)
Three Stars:
1. ROC – Z. Metsa
2. ROC – J. Dunne
3. CLE – S. Svozil
• Discuss this story on the American Hockey League message board…
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Donald W. Fenner
OBITUARY
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Donald W. Fenner, age 90, of Mentor (formerly of Willowick), who died December 17, 2024, at home. Don was born in Cleveland, OH on August 13, 1934, to John and Emily (nee Maly) Fenner. He was a graduate of Cleveland South High School. Don was truly the best of us. A kind, generous and compassionate soul who left an indelible mark on everyone he met. He married the love of his life Margaret Ann (nee Fallon) in Sallisaw, Oklahoma on July 12, 1958, before he began his U.S. Army service in Korea. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in 2023. She preceded him in death on September 25, 2023.One of 10 children, Don, was honorably discharged in 1960 and then entered a 30-plus-year career as a salesperson and manager at Sears Roebuck Co. retiring in 1991. He had a second career as a property handyman where he took pride in his work at Parkshore Apartments, where he dedicated himself to enhancing apartment living. At home, his workshop in the garage became his haven where he spent countless hours crafting cemetery crosses, birdhouses, toy barns, gates, and more. There was nothing he couldn’t fix, and he saved everything “just in case” with a craftsman’s foresight. His resourcefulness and ingenuity were unmatched. His family was his greatest joy and deepest pride. A devoted father and grandfather, he cherished every moment spent with his loved ones, always putting their happiness and well-being first. His love knew no bounds, and his presence brought comfort, strength, and warmth to all who were lucky enough to call him family. Loved by all, Don had an uncanny ability to make everyone feel seen, heard, and valued. His laughter, wisdom, and kind heart will be profoundly missed but forever remembered. Don is survived by his cherished sons Donald (Robyn Francis) of Cleveland; and Jeff (Cindy) of Mentor; grandsons Christopher Fenner of Columbus; Ryan (Mary) Fenner of Hilliard; Michael Fenner of Willoughby and Brendan Fenner of New York City; sister Joan (nee Fenner) Morawski; brother-in-law Clement Nesnadny; and many nieces and nephews. He is also remembered fondly by his extended family and friends who were touched by his warmth and infectious spirit. Calling hours will be held Friday, December 27 from 3-7 p.m. at Brickman Bros. Funeral Home, 37433 Euclid Ave., Willoughby. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, December 28, at St. Mary Magdalene Church, 32114 Vine St. Willowick, OH 44095. Internment is at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in his memory to the Alzheimer’s Association of Cleveland or St. Jude’s Research Hospital. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his memory continue to bring us smiles and laughter in the years to come.
Man, woman released after 17 years due to 'wrongful conviction' in East Los Angeles murder
Lakers’ LeBron James Could Miss Action vs Detroit Pistons
Hurricane Milton regains Category 5 intensity as Florida residents prepare for life-threatening impacts
San Francisco’s Fentanyl Deportations Show Rare Unity With Trump
‘Proud’ Jerry Jones doubling down on Mike McCarthy return to Cowboys?
Colorado Rockies game no. 116 thread: Zac Gallen vs José Ureña
Why Marjorie Taylor Greene was ‘kicked out’ of the Freedom Caucus according to Rep. Buck
See it: Tesla crashes into Columbus convention center at 70 mph
Fox News Politics: Georgia the whole day through
Death of missing Oregon girl found in stream ruled homicide
Video: Our Photographer’s Look Inside New York’s Migrant Shelters
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen hospitalized after he was bucked off a horse
Fact check: How deadly was 2024 for journalists?
Why Trump's tariffs on Mexico would mean higher avocado prices at the grocery store
Trump names several new White House picks to work on AI, crypto and more: 'America First Patriots'
-
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25789444/1258459915.jpg "OpenAI cofounder Ilya Sutskever says the way AI is built is about to change")
Technology1 week agoOpenAI cofounder Ilya Sutskever says the way AI is built is about to change
-
Politics1 week agoU.S. Supreme Court will decide if oil industry may sue to block California's zero-emissions goal
-
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25546252/STK169_Mark_Zuckerburg_CVIRGINIA_D.jpg "Meta asks the US government to block OpenAI’s switch to a for-profit")
Technology1 week agoMeta asks the US government to block OpenAI’s switch to a for-profit
-
Business1 week agoFreddie Freeman's World Series walk-off grand slam baseball sells at auction for $1.56 million
-
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23951353/STK043_VRG_Illo_N_Barclay_3_Meta.jpg "Meta’s Instagram boss: who posted something matters more in the AI age")
Technology1 week agoMeta’s Instagram boss: who posted something matters more in the AI age
-
News1 week agoEast’s wintry mix could make travel dicey. And yes, that was a tornado in Calif.
-
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24924653/236780_Google_AntiTrust_Trial_Custom_Art_CVirginia__0003_1.png "Google’s counteroffer to the government trying to break it up is unbundling Android apps")
Technology2 days agoGoogle’s counteroffer to the government trying to break it up is unbundling Android apps
-
Politics3 days agoIllegal immigrant sexually abused child in the U.S. after being removed from the country five times