Public Education Matters

House Bill 616, which was introduced in the Ohio Legislature in early April, combines the worst parts of House Bill 327's 'divisive concepts' prohibitions with Florida's so-called 'Don't Say Gay Law.' Courtney Johnson, a school librarian in Columbus, shares her thoughts on this dangerous legislation and what it may mean for her students. 

• Courtney Johnson, Library Media Specialist, Fort Hayes Arts & Academic High School, Columbus 
  • Courtney F. Johnson has spent more than half her life teaching kids in Columbus City Schools. Though that makes her feel old, talking to kids about books every day as a high school librarian makes her feel young. Courtney spent 15 years as a high school English teacher, and earned National Board Certification in English Language Arts for Adolescents and Young Adults in 2014. That same year, Courtney’s classroom was the grateful recipient of Penny Kittle’s Book Love Foundation grant. She has spent the past five years using her Master’s in Library Science degree as a Library Media Specialist in Columbus City Schools.

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• Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May, 2020, after a ten-year career as a television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children.