COLUMBUS — Two Republican appointees to the Ohio State Board of Education resigned Friday, weeks after they opposed its decision to rescind an anti-racism resolution.
Board President Laura Kohler, of New Albany, told reporters that GOP Gov. Mike DeWine requested her resignation and that if she hadn’t stepped down, Republicans in the state Senate who didn’t support the resolution would’ve had enough votes to remove her.
But neither Kohler nor board member Eric Poklar, of Worthington, mentioned the anti-racism resolution in their resignation letters.
The governor’s office thanked both for their service.
A spokesperson said it wasn’t commenting further.
Later Friday, it announced two new board appointees.
The earlier directive drew criticism who belived it would lead to the teaching of controversial critical race theory in Ohio schools.
The board replaced the resolution with one that directs the Ohio Department of Education to recommend to the board steps aimed at eliminating bias and addressing racism.
DeWine on Friday approved the appointments of Brandon Kern, of Amanda in Fairfield County, and Richard Chernesky of Waynesville, in Warren County, to the board.