Higher education; creating the Stop DEI Act; prohibiting an institution of higher education from requiring, soliciting, or incentivizing participation in certain practices or content. Effective date. Emergency.
If enacted, SB846 will directly affect the way higher education institutions design their curricula, specifically by prohibiting institutions from requiring or incentivizing DEI-CRT practices. Institutions that find themselves in violation of the provisions outlined in the bill may face consequences, including ineligibility for certain funding allocations from the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. This could lead to significant budget implications for schools that fail to comply, potentially impacting their operational capabilities and the educational services provided to students.
Senate Bill 846, known as the 'Stop DEI Act', addresses the governance of curricula at institutions of higher education in Oklahoma. The bill seeks to restrict the requirement for courses related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and critical race theory (DEI-CRT) within academic programs. It mandates that educational governing boards ensure that students are not compelled to engage in DEI-CRT related content, thus altering how courses are structured and delivered at these institutions. The bill is a significant shift in higher education policy and is positioned amidst ongoing national conversations about race, institutional practices, and educational content.
The bill has generated considerable controversy regarding academic freedom and the role of educational institutions in discussing and addressing issues of race and identity. Supporters argue that it prevents the imposition of ideologies they believe are divisive and promotes a more neutral academic environment. Critics, however, contend that it undermines the comprehensive education that students should receive and limits faculty's ability to teach and discuss essential societal topics. They express concerns that the legislation could diminish the quality of education by constraining discussions on race, equity, and social justice, which are vital in contemporary education.
Notably, the bill includes exemptions for programs that specifically focus on racial, ethnic, or gender studies, allowing some latitude for these departments to operate under criteria established by their governing boards. Additionally, the bill requires that an annual report be submitted to the state detailing any violations and the outcomes of investigations, thus creating an oversight mechanism that may further influence institutional behavior regarding these teachings.