Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

Oklahoma Senate Bill SB973

Introduced
2/6/23  

Caption

Schools; prohibiting certain curriculum and materials for certain grades from including certain information. Effective date. Emergency.

Impact

Significant changes are made to the content of sex education classes through SB973. Specifically, it prohibits the inclusion of any information relating to sexual orientation or gender identity in materials for students in grades kindergarten through six. For higher grades, where such information is permitted, educators are required to provide balanced instruction, dedicating equal time to both perspectives. This could notably impact how schools approach discussions surrounding gender and sexuality, potentially limiting comprehensive education on these topics.

Summary

Senate Bill 973 amends existing legislation relating to sex education in schools in Oklahoma. It mandates that all materials and curriculum used for sex education must be available for inspection by parents and guardians prior to implementation. Additionally, there is an emphasis on informing students about abstinence and the practice of obtaining consent related to sexual behavior. This change aims to ensure that parents are informed and can make decisions about their children's participation in sex education programs.

Contention

The bill has sparked debate among educators, parents, and advocacy groups. Supporters argue that the bill protects parental rights by allowing them oversight of the curriculum and prevents the indoctrination of children with controversial topics at a young age. Conversely, opponents express concerns that it limits students' access to vital information about consent and may ignore the realities of different sexual orientations and identities, which could hinder a comprehensive understanding of sexuality among students. This ongoing contention reflects broader societal debates on education and personal rights.

Companion Bills

OK SB973

Carry Over Schools; prohibiting certain curriculum and materials for certain grades from including certain information. Effective date. Emergency.

Previously Filed As

OK SB973

Schools; prohibiting certain curriculum and materials for certain grades from including certain information. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB866

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

OK HB2118

Schools; sex education curriculum and materials; including information about state laws and criminal penalties in curriculum; effective date.

OK SB1017

Schools; prohibiting survey on certain topics; prohibiting schools from maintaining books on certain topics. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB1780

School curriculum; prohibiting sex education classes, programs, tests, surveys, or questionnaires; effective date.

OK SB872

Schools; prohibiting certain materials and resources containing certain depictions or descriptions from certain library or school premises. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB30

Schools; requiring certain notifications; prohibiting use of certain names and pronouns without consent; prohibiting certain instruction in certain grades. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB131

Schools; amending the Parents' Bill of Rights; providing for civil action; modifying certain rights. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB1811

Schools; prohibiting schools from maintaining certain books or materials; emergency.

OK SB1027

Schools; prohibiting public schools from using certain funds to promote concepts of social emotional learning. Effective date. Emergency.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.