Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Research and Resources: Oklahoma

In January 2023, State Sen. David Bullard, a Republican, introduced a bill that would prohibit funding of colleges' diversity, equity, and inclusion offices.

In January 2023, State Sen. Shane Jett, a Republican, introduced a bill that would ban "political tests," including diversity statements, from being used in the hiring process at public colleges.

In February 2024, State Sen. Rob Standridge, a Republican, introduced a bill that would empower governing boards to block higher-education institutions from maintaining DEI offices or hiring or assigning employees or contractors to do the work of a DEI office. Under Standridge's bill, governing boards would also ensure institutions do not "compel, require, induce, or solicit" diversity statements, practice identity-based preferences in hiring or admissions, or require diversity training.

In February 2024, State Sen. Nathan Dahm, a Republican, introduced a bill that would prohibit public colleges from using state funds on DEI efforts "to the extent they grant preferential treatment based on one person’s particular race, color, ethnicity, or national origin over another’s." The bill would also ban mandatory diversity training and loyalty oaths, and would prohibit DEI statements for prospective employees. In addition, Dahm's bill would forbid public colleges from requiring anyone to associate with "any particular political, philosophical, religious, or other ideological viewpoint" or to declare pronouns, and would empower the state's higher-education system to review DEI efforts and to restructure or eliminate those it deems unnecessary.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Standing behind a lectern emblazoned with the words, “Defunding Discrimination,” Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt signed an executive order intent on “eliminating and dismissing” diversity, equity and inclusion programs in state offices and agencies, which would include public colleges.

Today, Governor Kevin Stitt signed Executive Order 2023-31, implementing greater protections for Oklahomans and their tax dollars against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

In issuing an executive order that he hopes will eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs on Oklahoma college campuses, Gov. Kevin Stitt said the move amounts to “taking politics out of education.”