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A bill introduced in Ohio's state House yesterday (May 31st) would require that high school students take a self-defense class in order to graudate. The Student Protection Act would mandate that incoming freshman in both public and private high schools complete the training as part of their health education. It would be taught by school resource officers or certified self-defense instructors. State Rep. Andrea White, one of the two Republican lawmakers who introduced the measure, said, "Physical, emotional or sexual abuse and assault are never okay. . . . Reinforcing this message with our young people, while equipping them with defensive tactics and proactive strategies will help them protect themselves and avoid dangerous situations." White also said the training could help students identify early signs and symptoms of mental health issues and potentially aggressive behavior in their peers. State Rep. Tom Young, who proposed the measure with White, told USA Today they've been working on the bill for months, and the timing shortly after the Texas school shooting was coincidental