Oklahoma Senate Bill SB866

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Schools; requiring written consent to participate in certain curriculum; directing certain curriculum and materials be available for inspection. Effective date. Emergency.

Impact

If enacted, SB 866 would lead to significant changes in how school districts handle sex education. Schools would be required to obtain explicit written consent from parents for their children to participate in any activities or instruction that discuss sex education, sexual behavior, or issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity. Furthermore, failure to comply with these requirements could result in a 5% reduction in state funding for noncompliant school districts, effectively placing financial pressure on schools to adhere to the new regulations.

Summary

Senate Bill 866, introduced in the Oklahoma Legislature, amends existing laws regarding parental involvement in education, particularly for curricula associated with sex education and discussions around gender identity and sexual orientation. The bill emphasizes the need for clear communication between schools and parents, ensuring that parents have the right to review and consent to any educational materials related to these topics. Specifically, it mandates prior notification for parents concerning curriculum content and materials, allowing them to withdraw their children from participation if they object.

Contention

The bill has sparked considerable debate among legislators and the public. Proponents argue that it strengthens parental rights and involvement in their children’s education, allowing for greater oversight on sensitive subjects. However, critics contend that the bill may hinder comprehensive sex education and perpetuate stigma surrounding LGBTQ+ topics. By restricting the curriculum to prevent instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity for younger students, opponents fear that it could create an environment where crucial discussions on diversity and acceptance are stifled.