OHIO — A state Board of Education member who faced criticism from the organization, senators, and other educators related to the Capitol riots on Jan. 6 responded with a letter titled, “Kirsten Hill Goes to Washington.”
Hill, who was elected in 2018, helped organize a bus trip through the Lorain County Totally Engaged Americans (TEA) Party, where she serves as a chair.
“We’re answering the call to D.C. to support President Trump,” she wrote on the TEA page. The website also redirected users to WildProtest.com, which encourage them to “#DoNotCertify and #StopTheSteal.”
In her response letter, she backed the claims of a fradulent election, which have been disproven by election officials. Hill stated she participated in the demonstrations outside the Capitol building, listened to President Donald Trump’s speech, marched with others, and then continued to pray on the National Mall.
The full letter:
“I traveled to Washington D.C on January 6th as a private citizen with a group of like-minded people to express our concerns that there was significant voter fraud in the November 3rd presidential election. As you are no doubt aware, the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution affords citizens the right to petition our government for redress of our grievances while exercising our freedom of speech and the right to peaceably assemble.
“Unfortunately, there was a small minority of individuals who appear to have broken the law by vandalizing the Capitol Building and personal property. I condemn any acts of violence or damage that may have been done by any individuals or groups regardless of their motives or deeply held convictions. It is, of course, best to wait for official investigations to be completed before assigning absolute responsibility for any lawlessness.
“My participation at the event consisted of listening to President Trump’s speech, walking to the Capitol, praying at a street corner along the National Mall, and waving my American flag in support of our great country.”
The OEA hasn’t responded to Hill’s statement. On Jan. 12, OEA President Scott DiMauro called on Hill to explain her involvement, and said he was “deeply disturbed” after learning a member had participated.
“The actions of the insurrectionists and militants who attended the rally and who attacked our country that day are reprehensible and inexcusable, and we are calling on Kirsten Hill to denounce those fellow-rally attendees in the strongest terms,” DiMauro wrote.
On the day of the riots, Trump supporters stormed the Capitol building in an attempt to stop Congress from counting and certifying electoral votes. They ended up breaking into the Capitol building, and Congress members were moved to a secret location. During the riots, one Capitol police officer died, one person was shot and killed, and three others died.
State Sen. Teresa Fedor (D-Toledo) also released a statement Tuesday in response to Hill’s bus trip.
“It was disturbing to learn that a duly elected official, who is responsible for the education of 1.7 million children, was challenging the results of a legitimate election. I question the judgement of someone who believes this election was stolen after no evidence was presented. Her actions undermine our democracy. Ms. Hill must explain why she planned this trip and what the goal was, if not insurrection. Further, she must denounce the actions of the insurgents who attacked our democracy, breached our Capitol building, and led to the death of five individuals. Everyone involved must be held accountable.”
Hill was elected in 2018 and represents District 2. Her term expires in 2022.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been corrected to reflect Kirsten Hill is a member of the State Board of Education, not Ohio Education Association.
