The importance of student voices emerged as the message from student-led protests featuring students chanting that they will remain strong, mighty and will not be defeated, despite progressing efforts around Ohio Senate Bill 1.

Ohio Senate Bill 1, or Advance Ohio Higher Education Act, is a state legislation that will affect higher learning institutions, including colleges like Kent State, specifically the material they teach, scholarships offered, identity spaces on campus and many diversity, equity and inclusion offers.

The Ohio House passed the bill and now it will head to Governor Mike Dewine, where he may sign it into law. No indication has been made of when and if he will sign SB 1.

With all of the recent legislative decisions, Kent students have gathered to voice their opposition through walkout efforts. Opponents of SB 1 have been numerous, with 1,500 testimonies opposing the vaguely proposed changes while only 24 testimonies have been sent in favor.

On March 19, Kent’s Ohio Student Association organized the first walkout featuring student testimonies. This protest was part of the statewide protest organized by the state chapter.

The following day’s walkout was hosted by KSUnited, a coalition of Kent organizations, including the Undergraduate Student Government.

KSUnited’s protest featured a petition and gave students a chance to call local representatives to ask for change.

The fate of the bill and its implications remain uncertain.