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.
Impact
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.
Summary
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.
Contention
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.
Notable_points
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.
Higher education; prohibiting an institution of higher education from requiring, soliciting, or incentivizing participation in certain practices or content. Effective date. Emergency.
Higher education; prohibiting certain institutions of higher education from using state resources to support diversity, equity, and inclusion. Effective date. Emergency.
Higher education; prohibiting certain test or qualification as a condition of employment or promotion within certain institutions of higher education. Effective date. Emergency.
Higher education; prohibiting certain test or qualification as a condition of employment or promotion within certain institutions of higher education. Effective date. Emergency.
Higher education; prohibiting an institution of higher education from requiring enrollment in certain courses; providing requirements for certain voluntary courses. Effective date. Emergency.
Higher education; prohibiting tuition and fee rates at certain institutions of higher education from exceeding rates of certain academic year. Effective date. Emergency.
Relating to accountability of institutions of higher education, including educator preparation programs, and online institution resumes for public institutions of higher education.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.