Oklahoma Senate Bill SB95

Oklahoma 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Schools; prohibiting school districts and charter schools from providing certain material to students without written consent. Effective date. Emergency.

Impact

The bill mandates that should a student request material considered sexually explicit, schools are required to notify the student's parent or legal guardian in writing. This notification must detail the nature of the material and provide the guardian with at least ten business days to review it before any consent is given. The intention is to enhance transparency regarding student access to sensitive content, which proponents argue is essential for parental oversight and promoting a safe educational atmosphere.

Summary

Senate Bill 95, introduced in Oklahoma, seeks to restrict the provision of sexually explicit material in public schools and charter schools. Under this bill, public school districts and their employees are prohibited from providing any sexually explicit materials to students unless there is prior written consent from a parent or legal guardian. This legislative measure underscores the bill's focus on parental rights and the safeguarding of students in the educational environment by ensuring that parents are informed and can exercise control over the materials their children access.

Contention

However, the bill has generated debate among educators, parents, and legislators. Proponents highlight the importance of parental involvement in education and the need to protect children from potentially harmful content. Critics, on the other hand, raise concerns about the implications for academic freedom and the potential for censorship within educational materials. The requirement for parental consent may hinder educators' ability to provide comprehensive education on various subjects, including topics related to sexual health and literature that contains mature themes, suggesting a significant impact on curriculum standards and student learning experiences.