Schools; prohibiting school districts and charter schools from providing certain material to students without written consent. Effective date. Emergency.
Impact
The bill is designed to enhance parental oversight and involvement in children's education, particularly concerning sensitive materials that may not be appropriate for all age groups. The required written notification process ensures parents have access to information and a chance to review materials before their children are exposed to them. This may also lead to comprehensive discussions between parents and educators about appropriate content and the boundaries of education that respect family values.
Summary
Senate Bill 95 introduces significant regulations regarding the distribution of sexually explicit materials in public schools and charter schools in Oklahoma. The bill stipulates that no such materials can be provided to students without prior written consent from their parent or legal guardian. This sets a clear legal framework that empowers parents and guardians with rights to control what their children are exposed to within educational settings. School districts or charter schools must comply with this regulation or face potential legal consequences.
Contention
However, SB95 has sparked debates regarding academic freedom and educational censorship. Critics argue that restricting access to certain materials could limit educational opportunities for students and inhibit teachers' ability to provide a well-rounded education. Proponents, on the other hand, assert that the bill is necessary to protect students from inappropriate content and to uphold parental rights, emphasizing that the policy does not outright ban materials but rather seeks to regulate their access.
Carry Over
Schools; prohibiting school districts and charter schools from providing certain material to students without written consent. Effective date. Emergency.
Schools; prohibiting school districts and charter schools from providing certain material to students without written consent. Effective date. Emergency.
Schools; requiring certain notifications; prohibiting use of certain names and pronouns without consent; prohibiting certain instruction in certain grades. Effective date. Emergency.
Schools; prohibiting certain materials and resources containing certain depictions or descriptions from certain library or school premises. Effective date. Emergency.
Education; prohibiting certain employees, volunteers, and contractors from using certain names or pronouns without written consent. Effective date. Emergency.
Schools; requiring written consent to participate in certain curriculum; directing certain curriculum and materials be available for inspection. Effective date. Emergency.
Schools; prohibiting certain districts and charter schools from using certain programs of instruction; providing penalty for violation. Effective date. Emergency.