In a ceremonial bill signing that took place with Governor Kevin Stitt and U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, Senator Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, marked the passing of Senate Bill 796, a decisive measure eliminating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in Oklahoma's higher education. According to the official press release from the Oklahoma State Senate, this bill transforms a previous executive order by Governor Stitt into standing legislation, with the stated goal to maintain a focus on "academic excellence, student success and equal opportunity for all."
Under Senate Bill 796, state funds, property, or resources, are prohibited from being used to support DEI positions and activities within the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education. It bars not only DEI mandates in training or education but also the implementation of loyalty oaths, ideological statements, and the disclosure of personal pronouns in hiring practices. Senator Pugh championed the bill, arguing, “By ending divisive DEI programs, we are ensuring that our higher education institutions focus on preparing students for the workforce and for life, not political agendas," in a statement obtained by the Oklahoma State Senate.
The legislation is described by supporters as aiming to establish an education system based on merit and hard work. “Today, we reaffirm Oklahoma’s commitment to an education system rooted in merit, hard work and opportunity for every student,” Senator Pugh stated, according to the official website of the Oklahoma Senate. While the bill is framed as promoting fairness and equality, some have raised concerns about its potential impact on inclusivity and the representation of diverse student populations.
SB 796 has drawn support as well as discussion regarding the relationship between merit-based education policies and efforts to address historical inequalities. The Senate release does not include comments from opponents, though the legislation has been described in public discourse as potentially affecting inclusivity initiatives in academic environments.
