Latest news with #DanPittman
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ohio University attempts to include student, faculty input in anti-DEI requirements
ATHENS, Ohio (WCMH) – As public universities prepare for changes under Senate Bill 1, Ohio University is taking a community-centric approach. Ohio University President Lori Gonzalez has penned multiple letters to students, faculty and staff addressing Senate Bill 1, which will limit faculty union powers, ban diversity, equity and inclusion programs on campus, and adjust discussions of 'controversial topics.' As many Ohio universities ask students and staff for patience, Gonzalez has publicly addressed concerns from students and staff. See previous coverage of S.B. 1 in the video player above. 'Most of the questions, as you would imagine, were about how what we are required to do by law will impact what and how we teach,' Gonzalez said at a university update meeting on Tuesday. 'I'm just going to make it clear … we remain wholly committed to academic freedom as the cornerstone of the academy, critical for educating students.' Ohio college presidents sign letter against federal 'overreach' Ohio University published a page for legislative updates to provide up-to-date information for students and staff, as did Ohio State University. However, Ohio University has not announced any major changes under SB 1 yet, a stark difference from Ohio State, which dissolved its diversity, equity and inclusion offices before SB 1 was signed into law. Gonzalez said they will always comply with state and federal law, but they 'don't want to over comply.' Instead, university spokesperson Dan Pittman said Ohio University is working carefully to accurately and fairly interpret the law while trying to remain transparent. University leadership has sought student and faculty feedback through an online portal for questions and university update meetings. Gonzalez was able to assure students and staff that they do not anticipate any changes to courses that cover 'controversial topics.' 'As evidenced by our interactions, OHIO deeply values transparency with our community, and we will continue to further these efforts in the days ahead with additional updates,' university spokesperson Dan Pittman said. Ohio professors trying to repeal anti-DEI law Ohio University Provost Donald Leo is assembling six academic work groups to prepare for various SB 1 requirements. All six groups' responsibilities and timelines are clearly defined online, and the groups' membership will be published this week as well, allowing some insight into the university's process: Low Conferral Program Working Group: Implementing a review process for a new requirement to sunset majors that confer fewer than five degrees per year over a three-year period. American Civics Literacy Course Working Group: Developing a plan for a new course to satisfy SB 1's required three-credit American civic literacy class. Student and Peer Evaluations of Teaching Working Group: Developing policies for peer and student evaluations for SB 1's mandatory written faculty evaluations. Publicly Accessible Course Syllabus Working Group: SB 1 requires all syllabi to be publicly available, so this group is developing a plan and template for doing so. Intellectual Diversity in Course Approvals Working Group: Under the new law, universities must 'demonstrate intellectual diversity for course approval,' so this group will implement a process to do so for current and future courses. Annual Evaluations and Post-Tenure Review Working Group: Developing a policy for annual evaluations and post-tenure review as required for faculty under the law. Most groups will meet weekly over the summer to develop a plan for their assigned concepts, with proposals due Aug. 16, 10 days before classes will begin in the fall semester. The American Civics Literacy Course group will work more quickly, submitting a plan in May for review at the June Board of Trustees meeting. The syllabi group has a bit more planning time, as that requirement does not go into effect until the following school year. 'We understand that this is a new process, our goal, of course, is to comply, as the president says, but we want to minimize the burden on the faculty,' Leo said. Columbus receives 'F' grade for air quality Leo said the groups will include representatives from the President's Council and Cabinet, the University Curriculum Council, the Office of Civil Rights, deans of colleges and appointees from the Faculty Senate. Still, some faculty members want more support from the administration. The newly founded faculty union at Ohio University called on Leo and Gonzalez on April 7, asking them to be better advocates for academic freedom and for faculty expertise. Professors have been largely against Senate Bill 1, and Ohio University's Faculty Senate passed a resolution strongly opposing the bill in an emergency meeting on March 17. Leo said the university is trying to include them in the decision-making process without burdening them. So far, Ohio University has only postponed or canceled two events because of DEI concerns: the Black Alumni Reunion and a Celebrate Women Conference at the Lancaster campus. The former still occurred without university support after alumni rallied the community in just weeks. Senate Bill 1 will go into effect on June 26, and Gonzalez said the university will provide more updates within the next week. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Act Out Theatre Group to present 'Holy Mother of Bingo' Murder Mystery
Feb. 14—TAYLOR — Act Out Theatre Group is taking a break from its traditional youth and teen productions to bring the comedic murder mystery, "Holy Mother of Bingo," to the stage. The production runs Friday, Feb. 14 through Sunday, Feb. 16. "We try to do a handful of productions a year that are audition-based and feature adults, children and youth," said Dan Pittman, the theatre's owner and artistic director. "It's a great opportunity because everyone learns from one another. Plus, we get to broaden our offerings to the community." "Holy Mother of Bingo" is a fully-immersive production. Audience members will immediately be met by members of the Mother of Mercy Parish shortly after entering the theatre. The production is set at a bingo fundraiser to help raise money for the parish. Things go awry after the church hall is double-booked and bingo enthusiasts must share their space with some cookie cadets. Folks may not know if the person sitting next to them is a cast member or simply another member of the audience. Throw in a magician, a scout leader, a couple of nuns and some other colorful characters, and there are multiple things happening at all times. "This has really been a fun show to direct," said Kalen Churcher, who frequently directs the theatre's youngest actors and actresses. "You never know what's going to happen or who is going to join the cast. Plus, who doesn't enjoy bingo?" In addition to watching the murder mystery, audience members will also participate in five rounds of bingo, with small prizes going to the winners. The cast of 22 features veteran performers and those new to the stage. It also features several groups of family members, including Jill and Jason Peck; Christina and Kayla Perez; Ann Marie and Ireland Scott; Linda Miller and Vivian Santiago; and Amanda, Hussein and Norah Kazimi. Additional cast members include: John Bubul, Matt Williams, Kylie Pimental, Katie Smith, Lila Boyle, Paul Kantor, Frank Carey, Gregg Germano, Dan Pittman, Joey McGuire and Mina Boam. "I've always admired my daughters for being brave enough to get on stage and perform," said Amanda Kazimi, whose daughters Norah, Hannah and Arianna have performed on the Act Out stage before. "Now being in a show myself, I realize how much hard work goes into that performance, and I'm not even doing half of what they do. "Sharing this experience with my daughter has been priceless. I love hearing her give me tips on learning my lines and cues and getting her feedback after a practice — even though it's not always good." Tickets for Holy Mother of Bingo can be purchased online at Because of the seating arrangement, tickets are limited. Opening night on Valentine's Day has sold out, but interested parties can place their names on a waitlist by emailing info@ Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for students and senior citizens. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday.
