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State School Board Member Criticized For Bus Trip To Nation's Capitol

Uprising in Washington D.C.
Vasilis Asvestas, Shutterstock.com
Uprising in Washington D.C.

Ohio’s largest teachers' union says a sitting member of the State Board of Education has some explaining to do for her part in last week’s trip to the nation’s capitol. 

Updated on January 13, 2021 at 1 p.m.

State Board of Education Member Kirsten Hill was listed on social media as the organizer for a “Stop the Steal” bus trip from Northeast Ohio to Washington D.C. on January 6th, the day of the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. And Ohio Education Association President Scott DiMauro says Hill owes teachers and Ohioans an explanation. 

"She needs to, in the strongest possible words, denounce what happened and really explain how does someone who is in that kind of leadership role publicly call for the overturning of the election?” 

At least five people, including two police officers, died as a result of an angry mob breaking into the building, terrorizing those inside and damaging property. 

Updated - Wednesday January 13th 

Kirsten Hill has issued a statement saying it was her first amendment right to travel to Washington D.C. wiith a group of like-minded people. She said her involvement consisted of listening to President Trump's speech, marching to the U.S. Capitol, waving a flag and saying a prayer. She said she doesn't condone violence or vandalism committed by others. Here's her entire statement:

Credit Submitted by Kirsten Hill

Copyright 2021 The Statehouse News Bureau

Jo Ingles is a professional journalist who covers politics and Ohio government for the Ohio Public Radio and Television for the Ohio Public Radio and Television Statehouse News Bureau. She reports on issues of importance to Ohioans including education, legislation, politics, and life and death issues such as capital punishment.