Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1401

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/8/22

Caption

Civil liability; creating the Critical Race Theory Curriculum Elimination Act; authorizing parent to bring certain action. Emergency.

Impact

If enacted, SB1401 would significantly alter the landscape of educational policy in Oklahoma by reinforcing a legislative ban on CRT in schools. The bill removes protections under The Governmental Tort Claims Act for educators found in violation, making them personally liable for damages. This could potentially deter educators from discussing subjects related to CRT out of fear of legal repercussions. The bill's inclusion of an emergency declaration indicates the urgency with which proponents wish to implement this legislation, reflecting broader national trends focusing on education and cultural content in school curricula.

Summary

Senate Bill 1401, known as the Critical Race Theory Curriculum Elimination Act, aims to prohibit public schools in Oklahoma from employing or contracting individuals who introduce or teach lessons related to Critical Race Theory (CRT). The legislation empowers parents to initiate legal action against schools that contravene this prohibition, allowing them to seek injunctive relief to prevent the teaching of CRT lessons and to claim damages for violations. The bill emphasizes strict liability, holding individual educators accountable for financial penalties associated with violations.

Contention

The passage of SB1401 might lead to divisive debates about the nature of educational content and the role of parents in influencing school curricula. Supporters argue that the bill is necessary to maintain educational integrity and to uphold parental rights, while opponents are likely to criticize it as an infringement on academic freedom and an attempt to restrict the teaching of important historical and social concepts. This divisiveness suggests that the bill will be contested both in the legislative process and in the public sphere.