Ohio state Sen. Jerry Cirino, a Republican from Kirtland, recently defended the state-mandated university civics centers, stating they are not intended as "right-wing indoctrination." His comments came during a panel discussion last week at an Education Writers Association conference at Howard University in Washington, D.C., where a George Washington University Law School professor questioned the necessity of the centers.
Ohio's five civics centers were established by supermajority Republican lawmakers through the state's two-year budget in 2023, receiving $24 million in public funds. These centers are located at Ohio State University, the University of Toledo, Miami University, Wright State University, and Cleveland State University. According to Senator Cirino, the legislation mandates these centers to advance teaching and research focused on "the historical ideas, traditions, and texts" that have shaped the American constitutional order and society. He emphasized that their purpose is not to impose beliefs but to foster "open debate, open discussion about different sides of issues," ensuring objective study and allowing students to form their own conclusions.
Mary Anne Franks, a George Washington University Law School Professor and member of the Uncivil Collective’s Advisory Board, which has previously voiced opposition to such centers, raised concerns about government-mandated educational centers. She questioned the rationale behind the initiative, asking "what is the problem we’re trying to solve" with millions of dollars in public funds. Franks argued that "The state should not be dictating their education," asserting that the state is not the solution for achieving balance in higher education.
Senator Cirino cited national data suggesting a deficit in civics knowledge among students. He mentioned that in 2023, the National Assessment of Educational Progress indicated only 13% of eighth graders were proficient in history and 22% in civics. Cirino further noted that surveys he has reviewed show "anywhere from 25-30% of students" cannot answer basic questions about America’s founding and history. He clarified that the centers aim to provide knowledge about America's civics history, encompassing "the good, the bad, and the ugly." Franks acknowledged that a lack of civics education among college students is not a new issue, referencing a 1943 New York Times report that highlighted an "ignorance of U.S. history" among college freshmen.
Cirino also posited that higher education currently exhibits a leftward bias. He advocated for a more neutral approach, suggesting that coursework and syllabi should present "different alternative views of different things" to allow students to decide which perspectives they find most compelling or historically effective. Professor Franks, however, pushed back on the idea of professors indoctrinating students, stating she "can’t even get my students to read the syllabus" and that she is "not shaping (their) beliefs."
The model for Ohio's centers draws inspiration from efforts in other states, with Senator Cirino noting Ohio "injected some steroids into it." Arizona State University established the first state-funded university civics center, opening its School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership in 2017. Paul Carrese, who served as the founding director of ASU’s center from 2016-2023, believes that a renewed focus on civics education will benefit civic culture. ASU's center offers a master's degree, hosts public speakers, and engages with K-12 teachers through professional development.
Despite the significant state investment, enrollment figures for Ohio's centers are currently low. State data indicates that less than 1% of Ohio State students enrolled in the university’s Chase Center for Civics, Culture and Society in 2025. Senator Cirino acknowledged this, stating that "new programs take some time to build up." He has also proposed new legislation to mandate student attendance at the centers to boost engagement.
To ensure the centers' autonomy, Senator Cirino introduced Ohio Senate Bill 461 over the summer. This proposed legislation would grant center directors sole authority over hiring faculty and staff, including determining their rank, salary, and tenure. It would also allow the centers to retain all tuition and revenue generated from their courses. Cirino expressed a desire for the centers to have "independence to a certain extent," citing "significant evidence to suggest" that allowing faculty senates to dictate teaching and curricula would be imprudent. He hopes the centers will avoid becoming isolated entities on campus.
Senator Cirino has also been involved in broader legislative changes impacting higher education. He authored S.B. 1, which bans diversity efforts, regulates classroom discussion, prohibits faculty strikes, establishes post-tenure reviews, includes a retrenchment provision that prevents unions from negotiating on tenure, and mandates an American civic literacy course as a graduation requirement for students.
