Ohio Democratic Women's Legislative Caucus Statement on Ohio State President Ted Carter's Resignation

COLUMBUS - The Ohio Democratic Women's Legislative Caucus (ODWLC) today released the following statement regarding Ohio State President Ted Carter's resignation Monday.

"The Ohio Democratic Women's Legislative Caucus believes deeply in protecting the rights, dignity, and opportunities of women - we think it's important to respond to situations like this with both clarity and care.

Ohio State University is one of the most respected public institutions in our state, and its leadership must reflect the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and responsibility. The circumstances surrounding President Ted Carter's resignation are deeply concerning, particularly because they involve the use-or potential use - of influence connected to public resources.

Positions of power come with a profound responsibility. When leaders are entrusted with making decisions about public dollars and opportunities, the public must have confidence that those decisions are made fairly, transparently, and without personal interest.

Abuse of influence-especially in situations where there is a power imbalance-undermines that trust. Our universities should be places where integrity guides every decision and where women, students, faculty, and staff know they are respected and protected.

As state legislators, we believe strongly that institutions supported by taxpayer dollars must hold themselves to the highest ethical standards. Accountability and transparency are essential to maintaining the public's trust, and Ohio's students and families deserve leadership that reflects those values."

President Carter resigned on March 7th at an emergency board meeting, saying that he had an inappropriate relationship with "someone seeking public resources to support her personal business." Board Chair John Zeiger said that the board will share a transition plan later this week.