Oklahoma House Bill HB1361

Oklahoma 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/3/25
• Refer: 2/4/25

Caption

Schools; definitions; prohibiting school personnel and students from requesting and using certain pronouns or alternate names in certain situations; effective date; emergency.

Impact

This legislation is positioned to impact the interaction between school staff and students significantly, especially in regard to how gender identity is recognized or acknowledged within the educational setting. The implications could result in a narrower definition of identity within schools, potentially undermining the experiences of transgender and non-binary students. Additionally, it empowers parents to exert control over their children's expressions of identity by mandating their permission for any deviations from traditional gender norms as defined by biological sex at birth.

Summary

House Bill 1361 seeks to regulate the use of pronouns and alternate names in public schools within Oklahoma, placing restrictions on both students and school personnel. The bill states that school personnel are prohibited from asking students to be addressed by pronouns or names that do not correspond to their assigned sex at birth without obtaining written consent from a parent or legal guardian. This rule applies similarly to students, who are also barred from requesting that school personnel use pronouns or names inconsistent with their assigned sex unless parental permission is granted.

Contention

The bill may ignite substantial debate, as its restrictive measures could be perceived as infringing upon the rights and identities of students. Supporters might argue that the bill is necessary to protect minors and maintain traditional values, while opponents could assert that it constitutes discrimination against individuals based on their gender identity. The clear distinction made in the bill regarding exemptions for those with verified disorders of sex development underscores the complex landscape of discussions surrounding gender and rights in education.

Enforcement

Furthermore, HB 1361 requires that any violation of these rules must be reported to school administrators, who then have the obligation to notify parents within twenty-four hours. Violations by school personnel could lead to disciplinary actions, including suspension or revocation of teacher licenses, which adds a layer of enforcement aimed at compliance with the legislation.