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By Darius Spearman (africanelements)
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| KEY TAKEAWAYS |
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| 84% of Ohio voters support teaching America’s history of racism in schools. |
| Negative net ratings indicate a disconnect between voters and elected officials. |
| Voters largely oppose parental control over educational content. |
| Majority of voters support expanded gun control measures and abortion access. |
| 69% of voters oppose gerrymandering practices in Ohio. |
| Voter opinions are generally more progressive than those of state leadership. |
Ohio Voters Support Teaching America’s History of Racism, Revealing Disconnect with Elected Officials
A survey from Baldwin Wallace University’s Community Research Institute showed a gap between Ohio voters and their officials on social issues. The poll surveyed 877 registered Ohio voters from September 30 to October 1, 2024. The results indicated that most Ohioans favor teaching America’s history of racism, despite strong opposition from conservative leaders.
The survey reveals a disconnect between what voters think and what their leaders pursue. This difference appears most clearly in education, with 84% supporting teaching about racism and its impact (BW News).
Public Support for Teaching America’s History of Racism
Support for teaching about racism spans political divides, with 94% of Democrats, 84% of Independents, and 78% of Republicans in favor. This trend shows confidence in schools to teach these topics responsibly. Notably, support grew from 75% in 2022 to 84% in 2024, highlighting a shift in public attitudes.
Additionally, 61% of respondents want students in grades six through twelve to learn about sexual orientation. This further emphasizes the gap between public preference and some leaders’ stances on education.
Disconnect Between Voters and Elected Officials
The poll also showed a stark divide between voter satisfaction and the performance of elected leaders. Most leaders received negative net ratings, including President Joe Biden and the state legislature led by Republicans (BW News).
This frustration goes beyond education, touching on gun laws, abortion, and districting issues. Even though Ohio is labeled a “red state,” voter views often lean more moderate than what its officials endorse.
Disconnect Between Ohio Voters and Elected Officials
Source: BW News
Specific Issues and Voter Opinions
Gun Control
Ohio voters largely support tighter gun regulations, unlike the permissive stance of their officials:
- 86% favor extended background checks for gun buyers aged 18 to 21
- 75% support raising the minimum age for buying AR-15-style rifles from 18 to 21
- 75% back red flag laws allowing temporary gun removal from dangerous individuals
- 56% favor banning AR-15-style rifles
Reproductive Rights
Most Ohioans (56%) think abortion should be allowed with some restrictions. This aligns with the 56.8% who voted to add reproductive rights to the state constitution in 2023.
Gerrymandering
Voters widely oppose gerrymandering, with 69% saying they do not support the practice. This clashes with its ongoing use by officials.
Ohio Voter Support for Gun Control Measures
Source: BW News
Impact of Political Rhetoric and Policies
The survey indicates that voters do not resonate with conservative claims about critical race theory and parental control in schools. Even when framed as “parental rights,” most voters trust schools to handle sensitive topics appropriately.
When asked about parental control in education:
- 56% of respondents opposed allowing parents to stop schools from teaching certain topics
- 52% opposed giving parents the power to choose which books belong in school libraries
These numbers suggest more faith in educators than in political meddling with school content.
Conclusion
The Baldwin Wallace survey shows Ohioans hold views more progressive than their leaders’. The public’s backing for teaching about racism and reform on gun laws and reproductive rights signals a gap between voters and officials.
This difference suggests voters need representatives who listen and better match their interests, especially on these pressing topics.
FAQ
Q: What did the Baldwin Wallace University survey reveal about Ohio voters’ opinions on teaching America’s history of racism?
A: The survey showed that 84% of Ohio voters support teaching about the history and impact of racism in schools, reflecting a disconnect with elected officials.
Q: How does voter support for teaching about racism vary by political affiliation?
A: The support spans across party lines, with 94% of Democrats, 84% of Independents, and 78% of Republicans in favor of such education in schools.
Q: What other educational topics do Ohio voters support?
A: The survey indicated that 61% of respondents favor teaching sexual orientation to students in grades six through twelve.
Q: How do voters’ views on issues like gun control compare to those of elected officials?
A: There is a significant disconnect; for example, 86% of voters favor expanded background checks, while the state maintains permissive gun laws.
Q: What does the survey say about Ohio voters’ opinions on reproductive rights?
A: A majority, 56%, believe abortion should be permitted with some limitations, reflecting a more progressive stance compared to their elected leaders.
Q: What are the implications of this survey for Ohio’s political landscape?
A: The findings suggest that elected officials may need to bridge the gap between their policies and the progressive views of their constituents on various issues.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Darius Spearman is a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College, where he has been teaching since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.
