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Ohio's Dance Studios Sue State Over Coronavirus Closures And Mandates

By Jo Ingles

Published June 24, 2020 at 9:12 PM EDT

Nine dance studios are suing the state of Ohio over mandated shutdowns and limitations imposed on their businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.

Attorney Robert Gargasz said Gov. Mike DeWine used a “sledge hammer” on the economy by relying on flawed projections from former Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton to shut down the studios.

“Amy Acton and the governor, acting as a state actor, decided to crush these people. And these people need to have some justice," Gargasz said.

The other attorney on the lawsuit, Gerald Phillips, said the shutdowns were unconstitutional. The lawsuit, which also suggests DeWine and Acton should be removed from office, asks for a jury to award financial damages to the dance studios.