School curriculum; requiring teachers who present certain instruction on biological evolution to also present instruction on certain concepts. Effective date. Emergency.
Impact
The passage of SB1871 would result in significant changes in public school curricula across Oklahoma. It requires the State Board of Education, school district boards, and charter school governing bodies to allow teachers to present and debate both evolutionary biology and creationist perspectives. This change could potentially impact future generations of students, shaping their understanding of science in a manner that incorporates ideological perspectives. As a result, the bill is poised to provoke heated discussions on educational standards and the representation of scientific theories in Oklahoma’s classrooms.
Summary
Senate Bill 1871, introduced by Senator Bullard, proposes amendments to the existing educational curriculum in Oklahoma regarding the teaching of biological evolution in schools. The bill mandates that any teacher providing instruction on biological evolution must also include teachings on creationism and/or intelligent design. This creates a dual approach to discussing these controversial topics in classrooms, thereby granting equal consideration to alternative concepts alongside biological evolution. The measure aims to ensure that students receive a comprehensive education that covers multiple viewpoints on the origin of life.
Contention
The bill has sparked notable contention within the legislative and educational communities. Proponents argue that it fosters critical thinking by encouraging students to analyze and critique different viewpoints on human origins, thus promoting intellectual diversity. Conversely, opponents contend that the bill undermines scientific education, erodes the separation of church and state, and could lead to confusion regarding scientifically validated theories. The controversy surrounding the bill reflects broader societal debates on religion's role in public education, science, and the curriculum's integrity.
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; requiring certain notifications; prohibiting use of certain names and pronouns without consent; prohibiting certain instruction in certain grades. Effective date. Emergency.
Schools; inspection of instructional material; requiring all material purchased or made available on school property to be subject to 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; prohibiting certain schools from compelling participation in certain instruction, professional development, or training. Effective date. Emergency.
Teachers; requiring reimbursement for teachers who pass certain examination; requiring allocation of funds for certain stipends; effective date; emergency.