Cleveland, OH

State Budget Creates $24 Million ‘Intellectual Diversity’ Centers at Five Ohio Universities

Published

1 year ago

July 23, 2023

Press Room

State Budget Creates Million ‘Intellectual Diversity’ Centers at Five Ohio Universities

click to enlarge

(Photo by Graham Stokes for the Ohio Capital Journal)

COLUMBUS, OH — SEPTEMBER 02: On the campus of The Ohio State University, September 2, 2022 in Columbus, Ohio.

New “intellectual diversity” centers will be created at Ohio State University, the University of Toledo, Miami University, Cleveland State University and the University of Cincinnati.

These five centers were included in the state’s two-year, $191 billion budget that Gov. Mike DeWine signed earlier this month. But some faculty at those universities don’t like the looks of it.

“It strikes me as state overreach,” said Christopher Nichols, a history professor at Ohio State.

Senate Bill 117

The Ohio Senate added Senate Bill 117, which created the centers at the various universities, to the state budget and DeWine kept it in. DeWine issued 44 vetoes to the budget, including a student’s right to decline vaccines required for enrollment or residence in a dorm at a public or private university and another provision that would have removed OSU student trustees from having voting power.

SB 117 originally created the Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture, and Society at Ohio State University John Glenn College of Public Affairs and the Institute of American Constitutional Thought and Leadership at the University of Toledo’s College of Law. State Sens. Jerry Cirino, R-Kirtland, and Rob McColley, R-Napoleon, introduced the bill in May.

An amendment to SB 117 — added on the Senate floor days before the budget was signed into law — tacked on Miami, Cleveland State and Cincinnati to the list of universities to get centers for civics, culture and society. Democratic senators said those universities didn’t receive a heads up about being added to the bill.

Cleveland State and Cincinnati said they are now in the early stages of planning for their centers. Miami did not respond to questions sent by the OCJ.

“We are just now working with the state, working with the State Senate to think about what that means for us, how it will be structured, what their expectations are, so it will be a while before we have any more information on what that will look like for us,” said Jack Miner, vice provost for enrollment management at the University of Cincinnati.

What will these centers do?

All of the centers will be independent academic units.

The University of Toledo’s institute is “established for the purpose of creating and disseminating knowledge about American constitutional thought and to form future leaders of the legal profession through research, scholarship, teaching, collaboration and mentorship,” according to the bill.

The centers at Ohio State, Miami, Cleveland State and Cincinnati “shall conduct teaching and research in the historical ideas, traditions, and texts that have shaped the American constitutional order and society,” according to the bill.

The state’s budget allocates $24 million for these centers — $5 million each fiscal year to Ohio State, $1 million each fiscal year to Toledo and $2 million each fiscal year for each center at Miami, Cleveland, and Cincinnati.

“These allocations of funds are likely to be wasted,” Nichols said. “It is not a great use of money and therefore not likely to be implemented well.”

He worries that money ultimately won’t be enough to successfully run the centers and is concerned about what will happen after money from the state’s budget runs out.

That money, he said, would be better spent on student scholarships.

“It’s going to end up being essentially a waste of resources,” said Steve Mockabee, an associate professor at the University of Cincinnati and a member of the Ohio Conference American Association of University Professors.

Bills like SB 117 should never have been added to the state budget in the first place, he said.

“Those are things that should be debated and discussed and go through the normal committee process and amendment process and lots of input from the public,” Mockabee said. “Unfortunately our legislature has pretty much abandoned normal operations.”

The centers at Miami, Cincinnati, and Cleveland State will be housed within the college of arts and sciences. The bill requires those universities to have at least 10 faculty members in the centers and to have an academic advisory council appointed by Dec. 31, with the consent of the Senate.

The council at all five universities will conduct a nationwide search for candidates for a director, who will ultimately report directly to the provost or university president.

Ohio State University

Ohio State has until Nov. 20 to appoint the center’s academic council, and their center will have at least 15 faculty members.

“The university is working to develop this center in accordance with the law and applicable university rules and policies,” the university said in a statement. “Ohio State is committed to free speech, civil discourse, critical thinking, and intellectual diversity on our campuses and looks forward to further promoting these values in accordance with our educational mission.”

University of Toledo

UT Law Professor Lee Strang first had the idea for the Institute of American Constitutional Thought and Leadership in 2019 after visiting the Georgetown Center for the Constitution and Princeton University’s James Madison Program.

“The Institute will grow to maturity over the course of five years,” Strang said in an email.

Toledo’s institute plans to launch this upcoming academic year and offer at least one class in the first year — likely Ohio Constitutional Law, Strang said.

The plan is to offer more classes in the coming years and some of the other classes being considered by the institute include the Federalist Papers, American constitutional history, transformational Supreme Court cases, and a civil discourse class, among others.

He said the institute also plans on hosting Ohio Supreme Court justices, Sixth District Court of Appeals judges, legislators from both parties and various local attorneys.

“This will attract students because they will benefit from the new classes, the additional faculty, and the additional opportunities for faculty mentorship, research and writing experiences, and professional opportunities,” Strang said in an email.

University of Cincinnati

Mockabee isn’t sure why Cincinnati was added to the bill, especially while the university is in the process of rolling out the Portman Center for Policy Solutions — which will explore bipartisan policy solutions.

“It’s really bizarre that they chose, of all places, for one of these so-called intellectual diversity places because we’re already doing that,” he said. “If they had had a conversation with us, instead of just doing this, they would have been able to learn about that. … I don’t know if they threw darts at a dartboard or what but I can’t see much rhyme or reason to it.”

Cleveland State University

Cleveland State’s center will be housed in the Levin College of Public Affairs and Education.

“We are proud of the work already underway to advance students’ civic engagement and to embed the principles of free expression and thought across our campus,” the university said in a statement. “In many ways, the spirit of this new law is reflected in CSU’s existing actions and policies … With these practices in place, we will be building on a strong foundation as we move forward.”

Even though the bill calls for having at least 10 faculty members, the university has not yet decided how many faculty will be affiliated with the center.

“Because we are still in the early stages of planning, we do not yet have details about the classes or other educational opportunities that will be offered,” Peter Chakerian, a university spokesperson, said in an email.

Originally published by the Ohio Capital Journal. Republished here with permission.

Source link

Click to comment

Cleveland, OH

6 must-see home holiday displays lighting up Northeast Ohio neighborhoods (photos)

Published

6 hours ago

December 22, 2024

Press Room

6 must-see home holiday displays lighting up Northeast Ohio neighborhoods (photos)

A neighborhood display at 21869 Seabury Ave., Fairview Park. Donations collected benefit Fairview Park Hunger Center, Fairview Park Meals on Wheels and the Fairview Park Senior Center.Jones Drones Cleveland

In neighborhoods across Northeast Ohio, homes are glowing with twinkling lights, oversized decorations and holiday cheer. But these dazzling displays aren’t always just for show. For many local families, lighting up the season is also a way to give back to those in need.

From Brunswick to Medina, these festive homes offer more than just a photo opportunity. They inspire generosity, bringing communities together to support charities that make a real difference. Here’s a look at some of the standout displays and the stories behind them.

Wadsworth Griswold House – Wadsworth

Photo of holiday light display — Wadsworth Griswold House

For Greg Osterland, 44, and his wife, turning his home on Duane Lane in Wadsworth into a scene from “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” was a way to honor a family tradition. Inspired by the movie his family watched every Christmas Eve, Osterland’s display features 25,000 imported Italian twinkle lights, an RV like the one seen in the movie and even mannequins dressed as Cousin Eddie and Clark Griswold.

“It (The Griswold house from the movie) didn’t really exist, but I was able to create something that made it exist and put something that brings smiles to kids’ faces,” Osterland said. “That’s what’s kept me coming back.”

Through his Hollywood-inspired display, Osterland raises funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Great Strides event, which works to support people with cystic fibrosis (CF), a progressive genetic disease that affects the lungs, pancreas, and other organs, according to the organization’s website.

Diagnosed with CF himself at age six, Osterland said not many were aware of what it’s like to live with the condition, but the prognosis for those living with the disease has drastically improved over time due to advancements in research and technology.

“When I was diagnosed, the average lifespan was 30. Now, because of all the advancements we’ve had, that number has bumped up well into the 60s and even the 70s,” Osterland said. “I’m well past 30 years old and I’ve never felt better.”

His journey with CF has given Osterland a positive outlook that he hopes to give to others during the holidays through his display and by collecting donations for the Great Strides event.

Over 11 years of collecting donations, the house has raised about $50,000 for the organization, Osterland said.

Where: 173 Duane Lane, Wadsworth

Highlights: Plenty custom-made visual references to “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” including the home’s holiday Italian lights. Interactive games for kids.

When to visit: Lights are on every day until 11 p.m., with extra time during the week of Christmas. The display typically comes down the first week of January.

How to Help: You’ll find a lock box lit up in the front yard with QR Code for donations or you can visit their donation link here. This year’s goal is $12,000.

A Licursi Creations Christmas Story – Medina

For the past six years, Justin Licursi, 37, and his wife have transformed their cul-de-sac into a winter wonderland with holiday lights, attracting lines of visitors eager to enjoy the display.

Licursi says he was inspired to support holiday cheer this way after visiting the residential lighting displays in Crown Point Parkway (also on this list) during his teenage years.

“I remember going there when I was a teenager with friends. It was like ‘Oh, this is magical, this is great,’ and I just always remembered that,” he said. “It was always just a positive feeling around Christmas time.”

When people began donating, the Licursis had to figure out what to do with the money, so they decided to find a family in need who they could support. In 2023, they raised about $10,000 for a local family with a husband who had pancreatic cancer, Licursi said.

This year, donations will support the Kranek family, who have a daughter diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer at just 22 months old.

Where: 6321 Shadow Creek Drive, Medina

Highlights: Large “Merry Christmas” sign. 18 community-donated trees lit up. Yearly Grinch photo opportunity.

When: Lights are up 5-11 p.m. every night.

How to help: Visit the display’s Facebook page for more options to support this year’s family.

Crown Point Parkway Festival of Lights – Strongsville

What began as a neighborhood holiday lighting contest in 1988 has grown into a dazzling tradition at Crown Point Parkway in Strongsville, attracting thousands of visitors each season.

Dan Hoag, 68, and his wife, alongside their neighbors, have built a collaborative display featuring coordinated light arches, themed areas like Frostyville and Candyland and more intricate decorations.

The project started small, with Dan determined to win a neighborhood lighting contest in 1988. By 1994, nearly every house on the street participated, and Crown Point Parkway gained local fame after appearing on multiple new channels and TV shows, including ABC’s “Great Christmas Light Fight” in 2015.

Hoag, a home improvement contractor, dedicates months to setting up.

“It’s a six-to-nine-month project,” Hoag said, explaining the effort that goes into ensuring every light and decoration is perfectly aligned. “Seeing the joy it brings makes it worth the effort,” he said. “Walking away is hard when you see how much good this does.”

Donations began when visitors insisted on giving back, and the neighborhood eventually started donating to organizations and families in need. The tradition has since raised nearly $250,000 for charitable causes over the years, Hoag said.

This year, donations will support the Wish Foundation of Northeast Ohio and the Berea Animal Shelter.

Where: 14335 Crown Point Parkway, Strongsville

Highlights: Santa visits on the weekend. Meticulously placed and cared for lights. Themed display areas. Holiday light arches between homes. Widespread neighborhood participation.

When to visit: Lights on around 5:30-10 p.m., Monday– Thursday, 5:30–11 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 6–9 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

How to help: Collection box on site. Or, support the A Special Wish Northeast Ohio Chapter and Bera Animal Rescue online.

Naelitz Holiday Displays – Brunswick

Nestled on Crestway Oval in Brunswick, the Naelitz family’s display boasts plenty of inflatables, animatronic holiday figures, and over 50,000 lights, according to Scott Naelitz, 54.

He grew up in a household that went all out for the holidays in the Old Brooklyn area of Cleveland. With his wife, he decided to carry on the tradition when starting his own family in Brunswick, he said.

When the Naelitzs noticed the amount of attention the display started to attract, they knew they had to make the most of it. Both longtime volunteers at the Brunswick Food Pantry, the couple began to collect nonperishable food items and monetary donations from visitors for the pantry.

“We just decided if we ever had the opportunity to be able to do something to help… as opposed to just being out there passing food, we’d take the opportunity to help them,” Naelitz said.

Where: 369 Crestway Oval, Brunswick

Highlights: Large “Joy” sign shining bright on the roof, blow molds.

When to visit: Their lights shine nightly from 5:30 to 11 p.m. through January 1.

How to help: In the yard is a donation box accepting non-perishable donations for the Brunswick Food Pantry.

Fairview Park Holiday Lights – Seabury Avenue

Fairview Park’s Seabury Avenue has become a well-known destination for holiday cheer and dazzling lights, thanks to Bill and Diane McVicker, who started their community’s extravagant neighborhood lighting tradition in 2012.

To get to the point where the neighborhood’s lighting festival is today, Bill, who inherited the habit of taking on holiday projects from his grandfather, worked that habit into his home’s lighting display and encouraged neighbors to do the same.

Now, through the neighborhood’s holiday display and fun attractions like the McVickers’ “Elf Tent” which offers hot chocolate, “magical” reindeer food, and more, they collect donations for three organizations: the Fairview Park Hunger Center, Fairview Park Meals on Wheels and the Fairview Park Senior Center.

“Kids will have a handful of coins for the drop box. It’s nice to see kids learning to give back at an early age,” Bill McVicker said.

The McVicker said it feels good to see families returning year after year and hearing stories about how their display has become part of other families’ traditions.

Since 2018, the family has raised over $23,000 for the three charities, according to the McVickers. They expect donations to be down this year due to increased enforcement of rules by the city of Fairview Park that aim to reduce unruly visitors and traffic issues.

Where: 21869 Seabury Ave., Fairview Park

Highlights: Elf tent with treats, merry-go-round for kids. Widespread neighborhood participation.

When to visit: Lights are on all the time. This year, community festivities run from December 20 to 25, with the Elf Tent open nightly from 6 to 9 p.m.

How to help: Donations collected on site, particularly in the Elf tent. Or, visit the charitable organizations online: Fairview Park Hunger Center, Fairview Park Meals on Wheels and the Fairview Park Senior Center.

Petkovsek Family Christmas Lights – North Royalton

On a corner lot in North Royalton, the Petkovsek family’s vibrant display has been a staple in the neighborhood since 2016. Thousands of lights illuminate the home, delighting visitors who often stop to snap photos or enjoy the festive atmosphere.

For Joe Petkovsek, 45, the tradition dates back to his childhood, helping his father decorate their family home every holiday season.

“As a kid, I remember having my eyes wide open helping my dad decorate the roof. I always enjoyed it.”

Now, he and his wife try to carry that tradition forward to the next generation. Their three kids — ages 10, 7, and 5 — are just as invested in helping build the display as he once was.

But for the Petkovseks, it’s not just about experiencing the fun themselves; it’s also about doing something good.

“We wanted to show the kids that the lights aren’t just for our joy, we’re doing something for the needy,” Petkovsek said.

Being an animal-loving household, the display collects donations for Stearns Homestead, an educational farm in Parma that takes care of various animals.

Where: 10020 Applewood Drive, North Royalton

Highlights: Lights everywhere, fun figures expanding the large property.

When to visit: Lights are on 5 p.m.–11 p.m. every night. Extended hours closer to Christmas. Open all night on Christmas Eve.

How to help: Collection box on the property. Or visit the farm’s website to support the cause.

Source link

Cleveland, OH

Cleveland Browns Foundation and United Airlines surprise Stay in the Game! educator with a trip to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans

Published

13 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Press Room

Cleveland Browns Foundation and United Airlines surprise Stay in the Game! educator with a trip to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans

CLEVELAND, OH – On Tuesday, Dec. 17, the Cleveland Browns Foundation surprised Ann Pesta, an educator from Stay in the Game! partner school Lakewood High School, with a surprise gift and recognition: tickets to Super Bowl LIX, round-trip flights courtesy of United Airlines, and accommodations for her and a guest.

The Stay in the Game! Attendance Network, launched in 2019, provides support and resources to Ohio school districts with the goal of increasing school attendance and decreasing chronic absenteeism. The Network supports 161 districts throughout the state of Ohio, with 108 of those districts within the Browns region, including Lakewood City School District.

Pesta, a Lakewood science teacher, received the news in front of her students and colleagues during a catered holiday luncheon, courtesy of the Browns. Browns players – guard Wyatt Teller, wide receiver David Bell, defensive back Tony Browns II and Chomps – were in attendance to present the tickets and commend Pesta for her impact on students throughout her 30-year career.

“It is a huge honor to be able to surprise Ms. Pesta today and show her that her job matters a lot to the Browns organization, Stay in the Game! and to me personally as my mother, father and older sister are educators,” said Browns defensive back Tony Brown II. “They can positively affect a young adult’s life by encouraging them to come to school. So hopefully something like this can show teachers that they are seen and appreciated.”

In November, the Browns called for nominations of educators who inspire students to show up for school. Receiving a large number of nominations, Pesta was selected for her contribution to education by creating an engaging learning environment that encourages regular student attendance. She was nominated by both current and former students, parents, and colleagues, which shows the impact she has had on her community throughout her career.

“We are so excited to be part of Stay in the Game! because it gives us another way to really reinforce the great things that so many of our Lakewood teachers are doing,” said Lakewood City School Coordinator of Student Wellness, Dr. Merritt Waters. “To partner with an organization like the Cleveland Browns to help show Ms. Pesta just how much we appreciate her is fantastic.”

In addition to the Super Bowl surprise, the Cleveland Browns Foundation and United Airlines invited Pesta and four other educators from Stay in the Game! partner districts across NE Ohio to be celebrated at the last Browns home game of the season against the Miami Dolphins on December 29th. Each educator will have the opportunity to bring three guests with them to enjoy the game.

One of United Airlines’ key areas of focus in the community is youth education, which aligns with the efforts of the Browns Foundation and Stay in the Game! Attendance Network. As a part of that focus, United Airlines wanted to help celebrate Pesta by providing the flights and recognizing four other educators who are making a huge impact on their students.

Source link

Cleveland, OH

Sixers head to Cleveland to take on first place Cavaliers

Published

21 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Press Room

Sixers head to Cleveland to take on first place Cavaliers

Dec 20, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) controls the ball against the Charlotte Hornets in the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

The Philadelphia 76ers, fresh off their Friday night victory over the Charlotte Hornets, 108-98, travel to Cleveland to take on the Cavaliers on Saturday night. As expected, the team will be without Joel Embiid, as the plan was for him not to play back-to-back games and even more with the broken sinus he sustained last week. The Cavaliers have been leading the NBA since the start of the season and have shown no signs of slowing down.

Sixers game information

Who: Philadelphia 76ers (9-16) at Cleveland Cavaliers (24-4)

When: 8 p.m. EST

Where: Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, Cleveland OH

Watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia, NBA League Pass, Ball Sports Ohio

Latest on the Sixers

When Embiid left the team’s game against the Pacers last Friday with what would later be revealed as a sinus fracture, the team and its fans thought for sure they wouldn’t see the Sixers big man back any time soon. Yet, Friday night, Embiid was out on the floor leading his team.

Without Embiid against the Cavaliers, the team will need Paul George to step up as he did on Monday nights game against the Hornets where he and Tyrese Maxey combined for 73 points. Friday, George finished with just five points on 2-12 shooting, including 1-7 on his three-point attempts. Against a team like the Hornets, with Embiid playing, you might get away with a game like that but against the Cavaliers, that will not work at all.

Dec 6, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) reacts against the Orlando Magic in the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

The Sixers are without Embiid as well as star rookie Jared McCain, so they’re going to need Maxey, George and Kelly Oubre Jr. to play some of the best basketball of the season, if they’re going to have a chance to win the game. While their defense has been improving the team must shoot better than the 36% they did on three-pointers against the Hornets.

Latest on the Cavaliers

The Cavaliers have been rolling and are 7-1 since dropping straight games to the Atlanta Hawks at the end of November. The team’s only loss was to the Miami Heat on December 8th, and that game was closer than it looked. The team matched up evenly throughout the whole game, with the lone exception being the Heat, which took eight more foul shots.

The Cavs jumped out of the gate this season, and they haven’t looked back since. They feature a balanced attack with six players averaging double figures in season scoring. They’re led by Donovan Mitchell, who’s scoring 23.5 points per game, but he’s doing that while shooting a career-best 40.5% on his three-point attempts. While he’s their biggest name, the team isn’t a one-man show.

Dec 20, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) celebrates after hitting a three-point basket during the second half against the Milwaukee Bucks at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Darius Garland and Evan Mobley are also putting in 30 minutes per game, with Garland giving the team 20.1 points and Mobley 18.2 points per game. They are also shooting career highs from beyond the arc, as Garland is hitting at a 42.6% rate, and Mobley is shooting 39.7% for the year. Add in Jarrett Allen, Caris Levert, and Ty Jerome, and the team has depth, and they’re playing well together.

What to watch for tonight

While the Sixers sit just outside of the top ten in defensive rating, it may not help much tonight as the Cavaliers are seventh in the league in defense. The Cavs offense just happens to be the top offense in the league, while the Sixers rest just a few spots away from the very bottom.

Without Embiid and McCain, the Sixers will be leaning on Maxey and George to try to replicate their games from earlier in the week while asking Kelly Oubre Jr. to, once again, step up as the team has needed him. Andre Drummond and Guergshon Yabusele should see some good minutes against a smaller Cavaliers team, but neither will be able to keep pace with the Cava offense and could look to be in foul trouble early on.

Watch to see if Tyrese Maxey continues to improve his shooting and if Paul George can have a bounce back night after last nights horrible shooting. If you’re lucky you’ll get a few KJ Martin and Ricky Council IV highlights.