Widener, Kearney Resolution on Land Grant Status for Central State Passes Senate

COLUMBUS—Today the Ohio Senate unanimously approved Senate Concurrent Resolution 30, co-sponsored by Senate Chris Widener (R- Springfield) and Senate Minority Leader Eric Kearney (D- Cincinnati) that would designate Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio as Ohio’s second land grant institution under the Morrill Act of 1890.

Following unanimous approval by the Senate Finance Committee yesterday, Senate Concurrent Resolution 30 passed the Ohio Senate by a vote of 33-0. The resolution will now go to the Ohio House of Representatives for consideration. During committee, Presidents John Garland from Central State and Gordon Gee from Ohio State testified in favor of the resolution. Chancellor Jim Petro also offered his full support to Central State’s bid for land grant status.

“It’s been more than 120 years since the Ohio Senate last debated this issue, and today’s vote shows that there is still strong support for Central State to become Ohio’s second land grant school,” said Widener. “We are committed to supporting and providing students of Central State with the educational opportunities they need to play an active role in Ohio’s workforce.”

“Recognizing Central State University as the second land grant institution of higher learning in the state of Ohio today is righting a wrong that was done many years ago,” said Kearney. ‘With this grant, it is my hope that Central State will enter into a collaborative relationship with Ohio State and continue to provide a wonderful educational experience to its students.”

In related news, House Speaker William G. Batchelder introduced House Concurrent Resolution 45, which is a companion measure to SCR 30.