Schools; modifying rights and procedures under the Parents' Bill of Rights; requiring written consent to provide certain instruction. Effective date. Emergency.
Impact
The bill will expand the rights of parents by requiring schools to obtain written consent before providing any instruction related to sensitive topics, including sex education and gender identity. This change is intended to reinforce the notion that parents should have primary authority in guiding their children's education, particularly in areas where moral or ethical issues are concerned. Furthermore, it obliges school districts to inform parents about their rights and the content of educational materials, potentially leading to greater parental involvement in educational settings.
Summary
Senate Bill 1563 aims to strengthen parental rights concerning the upbringing and education of children in Oklahoma. It modifies various sections of existing law under the Parents' Bill of Rights, specifically focusing on the requirement of written consent from parents for their children's participation in sex education and any instruction or presentations regarding sexual orientation and gender identity. With these modifications, the bill aims to ensure parents have a decisive role in educational decisions affecting their children.
Contention
However, SB1563 has raised notable points of contention. Critics argue that requiring parental consent in these contexts could hinder appropriate education on critical social issues and limit students' exposure to diverse perspectives. Opponents also express concern that the legislation could disproportionately affect the LGBTQ+ community by restricting necessary discussions around gender identity, thus potentially leading to an environment that is less inclusive and accepting within educational institutions.
Schools; requiring written consent to participate in certain curriculum; directing certain curriculum and materials be available for inspection. Effective date. Emergency.
Children; Parents' Bill of Rights; private right of action; Attorney General; investigate; violation; materials; instruction; fine; term; effective date.
Schools; requiring certain notifications; prohibiting use of certain names and pronouns without consent; prohibiting certain instruction in certain grades. Effective date. Emergency.
Diabetes Management in Schools Act; allowing a school district to stock glucagon; requiring written consent and waiver of liability. Effective date. Emergency.
Schools; prohibiting school districts and charter schools from providing certain material to students without written consent. Effective date. Emergency.
Schools; prohibiting sensitive materials in the school setting; requiring inclusion of certain parents when determining if an instructional material is a sensitive material; effective date.
Schools; creating the Oklahoma Sexual Education Reform and Parental Rights Protection Act; requiring written consent for a student to participate in certain instruction. Effective date. Emergency.
Schools; requiring written consent to participate in certain curriculum; directing certain curriculum and materials be available for inspection. Effective date. Emergency.
Schools; requiring written consent to participate in certain curriculum; directing certain curriculum and materials be available for inspection. Effective date. Emergency.
Schools; creating the Oklahoma Sexual Education Reform and Parental Rights Protection Act; requiring written consent for a student to participate in certain instruction. Effective date. Emergency.
Mathematics instruction; directing expenditure of certain funds; creating the Oklahoma Math Achievement and Proficiency Act. Effective date. Emergency.