Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1121

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/8/22

Caption

Schools; requiring certain schools and institutions to disseminate certain Thanksgiving proclamations. Effective date. Emergency.

Impact

The enactment of SB1121 could significantly influence the educational curriculum across the state, emphasizing civic education and historical awareness among students. By requiring schools to include these proclamations, the bill aims to foster a sense of appreciation for national traditions and historical events that shaped the nation’s identity. The schools will need to adapt their lesson plans to incorporate these proclamations, potentially altering how Thanksgiving is taught within the context of American history.

Summary

Senate Bill 1121 mandates that all public schools and institutions of higher education in Oklahoma must disseminate historic Thanksgiving proclamations to their students. The bill highlights five significant proclamations, including those by historical figures such as George Washington and Franklin D. Roosevelt. It specifies various methods for dissemination, including reading the proclamations in classrooms or school assemblies, printing them for distribution, or emailing them to students during the week leading up to Thanksgiving.

Contention

While the intention behind the bill is to promote a shared understanding of historical events, it could also raise points of contention among educators and community members. Critics may argue that mandated readings of specific proclamations could lead to a lack of flexibility in teaching methods and curricular creativity. Additionally, there may be concerns regarding the appropriateness of the content and whether it aligns with modern educational values. Proponents of the bill might view it as an essential step toward instilling civic values and historical knowledge in students.