On Wednesday, Sept. 22, Ohio Representative Thomas Hall (R) visited Miami University to discuss topics such as the vaccine mandate, critical race theory, and new legislation moving forward in the Ohio House. Hall is a Miami alumnus and represents the 53rd district, which includes Oxford and part of Middletown in Butler County. Hall currently serves as the youngest member of the Ohio House of Representatives.
Unsurprisingly, when speaking to the Miami College Republicans, the issue of COVID-19, including the vaccine mandate, presented itself as one of the larger student concerns. The vaccine mandate requires all Miami staff and students to be fully vaccinated by Nov. 22. With this deadline approaching, students expressed concerns about the ability of the Ohio House to take action against the mandate before it goes into effect.
In response to the vaccine mandate, Hall said “I respect President Crawford in his position, but I wholeheartedly disagree with the vaccine mandate. I believe the vaccine should be a personal choice.”
Ohio House Bill 248, the Enact Vaccine Choice and Anti-Discrimination Act, would prohibit schools from mandating any vaccine and from discriminating against any individual based on their vaccination status. The bill also prohibits mask mandates, except in medical settings.
In light of Brick Street requiring proof of vaccination, Hall also touched on finding the balance between personal freedom and the autonomy of individual businesses.
“Finding a fair compromise between the businesses and freedom is hard but we are siding on the side of personal freedom. We are listening to the business community and the businesses because we understand they want to stay open and make the best decisions for their company.”
Ohio House Bill 253 is another piece of Republican legislation being pushed through the House, which would ban vaccine passports in certain situations.
Hall stated that final legislation concerning vaccines should be coming forth this week.
“Take action at your university,” Hall said. “Join together with other students that share the same thoughts and feelings. Don’t ever discount your voice being important, but getting a collective group together is also important for positive change.”
Being the youngest member of the Ohio House, Hall discussed the positive ability of young people to be active in politics.
“Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do anything. It’s all about believing that you have the power to make a difference,” Hall stated.
