Oklahoma Senate Bill SB880

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Students; creating the Students' Bill of Rights; directing creation of certain due process plan. Effective date. Emergency.

Impact

If enacted, SB880 will necessitate amendments to existing educational policies and regulations in Oklahoma. It will require school districts to implement a process for investigating student rights violations and may affect funding for noncompliant schools. Schools that fail to adhere to the provisions of SB880 could see a 5% reduction in state funding for the subsequent fiscal year. This aspect aims to ensure accountability and promote adherence to the rights outlined in the bill.

Summary

Senate Bill 880, also known as the Students' Bill of Rights, aims to establish a set of rights specifically for students enrolled in public school districts and charter schools in Oklahoma. The bill outlines various rights that include the right to a safe learning environment free from bullying, the right to an unbiased education, and the right to privacy, among others. Importantly, the bill mandates that these rights be included in school handbooks and directs schools to create due process plans that facilitate the reporting of violations.

Contention

The bill has seen a mix of support and opposition from legislators and educational stakeholders. Proponents argue that it firmly establishes a framework to protect students from various forms of discrimination and bullying, while critics contend that some provisions, particularly those regarding the requirements for unbiased education, may encroach upon educational freedoms and lead to potential censorship in the classroom. The emphasis on limiting the expression of certain ideologies has raised concerns about the implications for educational content and teachers' instructional practices.