Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1946

Introduced

2/5/24

Refer

2/6/24

Caption

Higher education; establishing the School of American Civic Thought and Leadership at the University of Oklahoma; providing purpose. Effective date. Emergency.

Impact

The implementation of SB1946 is expected to enhance the academic landscape of the University of Oklahoma by creating a distinct unit focused on civic thought and leadership. This could potentially influence state laws and educational standards regarding civic education. The bill mandates that all undergraduate students may be required to complete a course on American institutions and civic knowledge, which could significantly impact graduation criteria and overall educational requirements within the state.

Summary

Senate Bill 1946 proposes the establishment of the School of American Civic Thought and Leadership at the University of Oklahoma. This initiative aims to promote education in the principles underpinning American political order and responsible citizenship. The school will also foster civic engagement by offering diverse resources and programming related to civic education, aiming to create an informed citizenry capable of engaging in meaningful political discourse. Notably, the bill outlines the responsibilities of the school, including the hiring of faculty, the creation of academic programs, and the requirement of annual reports detailing its operations and funding.

Contention

While the bill has received attention for its educational merits, there may be points of contention regarding the school's alignment with broader educational goals. Critics may question the intended curriculum direction, particularly in ensuring ideological diversity and avoiding politicization within academic programs. Additionally, the establishment of an advisory board with appointments from various political leaders raises concerns about potential partisanship in the school’s operations and programming.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK SB822

Students; creating the Oklahoma Education Freedom Act; providing eligibility for Oklahoma Education Freedom Accounts. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB2718

Higher education; Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Trust Fund; Oklahoma Promise Opportunity Scholarship Act; effective date.

OK HB2672

Schools; making an appropriation to the State Board of Education; establishing minimum salary schedule; providing certain stipends; modifying the Stat Aid fundin formula; effective date; emergency.

OK SB819

Charter schools; creating the Professional Teacher Charter Act; providing purpose. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB357

Schools; allowing the Oklahoma School for the Blind and the Oklahoma School for the Deaf to receive redbud school grants. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB137

Schools; directing the State Department of Education to implement certain pilot program. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB2115

School curriculum; State Department of Education; Native American history and culture; public schools; codification; effective date; emergency.

OK SB365

Higher education; stating legislative intent for institutions of higher education regarding scores required on certain examination to grant credit. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB24

Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation; establishing the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation Centennial Revolving Fund; providing purpose. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB299

Oklahoma Advisory Council on Indian Education; recreating council until certain date; modifying appointment authority. Effective date. Emergency.