OK
Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1871

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1871

Introduced
2/5/24  

Caption

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.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK HB2071

Schools; requiring school district to spend certain percentage of budget on instructional expenditures; effective date; emergency.

OK HB2752

Transportation; modifying definitions; modifying actions for pedestrians when presented certain instructions; effective date.

OK HB1810

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.

OK SB30

Schools; requiring certain notifications; prohibiting use of certain names and pronouns without consent; prohibiting certain instruction in certain grades. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB2078

Schools; inspection of instructional material; requiring all material purchased or made available on school property to be subject to inspection; effective date; emergency.

OK SB866

Schools; requiring written consent to participate in certain curriculum; directing certain curriculum and materials be available for inspection. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB933

Schools; prohibiting certain schools from compelling participation in certain instruction, professional development, or training. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB1936

Teachers; requiring reimbursement for teachers who pass certain examination; requiring allocation of funds for certain stipends; effective date; emergency.

OK SB138

Schools; directing social studies subject matter standards to include certain instruction. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB213

Schools; requiring personal financial literacy to be taught by teachers with certain certification. Effective date. Emergency.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.