Following the governor’s executive order cutting spending on diversity, equity and inclusion, News 9 dug into the data to see how much goes to DEI programs.
Many Republican lawmakers have called for cuts to DEI spending, but reports show that less than 1% of state and federal funding supports DEI.
“Let’s not discriminate based on race, that’s all we’re saying here,” Governor Kevin Stitt said.
The governor’s executive order signed this week requires all colleges to report their DEI spending by May 2024.
“I’ve just heard from all over the state that people are tired of wasting our dollars on something that’s trying to divide us,” Stitt said. “We need to stop sending DEI employees six-figure salaries and more prepare students to get that job and have a successful career.”
State Comptroller Ryan Walters called for a similar report in January of this year, requesting the last decade of DEI spending from Oklahoma regents on higher education.
The governors complied with the request and submitted a report that showed less than 1% of state and federal funding supports DEI. They estimated $10.2 million in DEI spending for fiscal year 2023-24, of which $3.4 million would come from state appropriations.
In 2023, the University of Oklahoma budgeted $2.2 million for diversity and inclusion, with $1.4 million of that going to faculty and staff salaries. This is out of a total budget of more than $1.4 billion.
Now, the OU president says Stitt’s order will eliminate the OU DEI program. OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. sent a letter to the OU community in which he said: “Although we are committed to complying with the Governor’s Executive Order, we remain committed to ensuring a University of Oklahoma education remains affordable and accessible to all.”
“We want every child who graduates from OU, Oklahoma State or our regional colleges to be ready for that workforce as well,” Stitt said.
Several lawmakers also raised concerns that the governor’s order could jeopardize federal funding or accreditation. Many colleges rely on multi-million dollar grant funding, and many of the grants are tied to DEI support.
Last year, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation began requiring schools to provide evidence of some type of commitment to DEI.
“We always have people who will say, ‘Well, it’s the accreditation officials that are forcing us to do this or that.’ You know, we’re going to cross that bridge when it comes down to it, whether it’s accreditation or not,” Stitt said.
The Oklahoma Regents of Higher Education sent a statement saying, “We are reviewing the Governor’s Executive Order, and the state’s higher education system will comply. We will continue to focus on supporting all Oklahoma students as they pursue college degrees and prepare to join our workforce.”
All Oklahoma colleges must report their DEI spending to Stitt and lawmakers by May of 2024.
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Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed an executive order Wednesday regarding diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) at institutions of higher education across the state.
The executive order will require state agencies and universities to review the need and effectiveness of DEI positions, departments, activities, procedures, and programs to eliminate and separate non-essential employees, according to a media advisory sent by Stitt’s office.
Stitt said he wants to encourage equal opportunity rather than promise equal outcomes.
“Encouraging our workforce, economy and educational systems to thrive means shifting the focus away from exclusivity and discrimination toward opportunity and meritocracy,” Stitt said in a press release. “We are taking the politics out of education and focusing on preparing students for the workforce.” Posted Wednesday afternoon.
The order will affect every university in the state; The University of Oklahoma was one of the first to respond by signing.
“For many of us, this news raises deep anxiety and uncertainty about the future, and in many ways feels like a step backwards,” said a statement from University of Oklahoma President Joseph Harroz Jr. “Although we are required to comply with the Governor’s Executive Order, we will remain committed to ensuring that a University of Oklahoma education remains affordable and accessible to all, and we will continue to work to recruit and retain a workforce of talented and qualified minds. That represents our state.”
Democratic lawmakers from Stillwater and Norman also responded to the governor’s executive order.
Senator Boren of Norman says this will impact business expansion in Oklahoma
“Governor Kevin Stitt’s claim that Oklahoma is open for business cannot be taken seriously by preventing future business leaders from learning about diversity, equity and inclusion on campus,” Boren said.
Senator Rosecrantz has similar concerns.
“I wonder if he even cares that this misguided executive order will have a terrible impact on Oklahoma’s economy. Companies looking to invest in Oklahoma will continue to surpass us as more advanced, innovative nations that respect the diverse world in which we all live,” Rosecrantz said.
Representative Dick of Norman is concerned about the people DEI programs are meant to protect.
“This is an attack on support for first-generation students, students with disabilities, student veterans, and international students, not to mention our countless racially, culturally, religiously, and economically diverse students,” Dick said.
Rep. Means says nothing can stop diversity, and keeping DEI programs away from students could limit it in the future.
“As nation leaders, we must invest in preparing our students for the reality of the workplace they will one day join, not use them to score some cheap political points with a handful of extremists,” Means said.
Full statement from University of Oklahoma President Joseph Harroz Jr.:
“Today, the Governor of Oklahoma signed an executive order eliminating the offices of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at all public institutions of higher education in Oklahoma, including our own.
For many of us, this news sparks deep anxiety and uncertainty about the future, and in many ways feels like a step backwards. Please be assured that the key to our continued successes as the state’s leading university – now and forever – are the core values that have been our enduring north star: access and opportunity for all those with the talent and perseverance to succeed, being a place of belonging for all who attend; Dedication to freedom of expression and investigation; And civility in our treatment of each other.
These values go beyond political ideology, and we are unwavering in them.
Although we are required to comply with the Governor’s Executive Order, we will remain committed to ensuring that a University of Oklahoma education remains affordable and accessible to all, and we will continue to work to recruit and retain the workforce of talented and qualified minds that represents our state. In the coming weeks, we will issue further guidance on our compliance with this mandate while remaining true to our values.
I urge our community not to let the development we see today overshadow the tremendous progress we have made in advancing Oklahoma as a more prosperous place for all. While many universities across the country are struggling, the Open University is thriving. Our campuses are experiencing unprecedented enrollment growth, we support our state’s economic development by bringing to market new research and technologies discovered by our distinguished faculty, and we enrich our state’s vibrant culture through the arts and humanities, profoundly impacting the lives of students . Every Oklahoman.
Make no mistake: At OU, we stand by our promise to uphold the core principles that make our university a beacon where the American Dream is available to all. We also know that our students, the university community, and the citizens of Oklahoma are determined to uphold these values. Together, we will continue to move forward with care, intention, and unyielding dedication to the principles that have always defined us. Together, we deserve nothing less.
Long live the university!
Oklahoma State University’s full statement:
“We are reviewing the executive order to ensure we are meeting our legal obligations while continuing to create a welcoming environment for all students, faculty and staff.”
Statements from Oklahoma Democratic lawmakers from Stillwater and Norman:
“Governor Kevin Stitt’s claim that ‘Oklahoma is open for business’ cannot be taken seriously by preventing future business leaders from learning about diversity, equity, and inclusion on college campuses — which is his goal. But every successful entrepreneur and Fortune 500 company has invested Significant resources in recruiting and retaining the most qualified, diverse, and inclusive pool of employees. The Governor’s ban poses a threat to every economic development strategy in Oklahoma and undermines the employability of great businesses throughout Oklahoma. DEI is a public way to learn how to strengthen our universities, our economy, and preserve our democracy. – Senator Mary Boren, Democrat of Norman
“This executive order is a clear sign that Governor Stitt has advanced State Superintendent Ryan Walters’ agenda to attack public education and drive general education students out of this state. This is an attack on support for first-generation students, students with disabilities, student veterans, and international students, not to mention our own students.” “The governor may speak on behalf of the executive branch, but he does not speak on behalf of the thousands of students served by programs and universities that value them for who they are.” – Rep. Jared Dick, D-Norman
“No executive order, no legislation, no political slogan, can stop actual diversity. Nothing can stop it. Trying to deceive college students and deprive them of opportunities to interact with and understand that diversity is absurd and futile. Additionally, this action will have an impact.” negative on faculty and staff at our universities but also on students with disabilities, international students, veterans, and others who rely on these services to support their education.As nation leaders, we must invest in preparing our students for the reality of the workplace they will one day join, not use them to score some Cheap political points with a bunch of extremists. — Rep. Annie Means, D-Norman
“Diversity, equity, and inclusion policies are in place to deter discrimination against marginalized communities. The fact that the governor is seeing this in reverse speaks to the fact that he has not experienced real discrimination. We need to let our universities lead the way and work to provide a better education for all students.” – Rep. Trish Ranson, Democrat of Stillwater
Governor Stitt seems to only listen to his far-right base when he attacks justice, which means being fair and impartial; Inclusion, meaning giving equal access to resources to people who might otherwise be left out; And diversity, which means people from different social and ethnic backgrounds, different races, different sexual orientations, etc. I wonder if he even cares that this misguided executive order will have a terrible impact on Oklahoma’s economy. Companies looking to invest in Oklahoma will continue to move beyond us to more advanced and innovative nations that respect the diverse world in which we all live. – Rep. Jacob Rosecrantz (D-Norman).
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs have become increasingly important in higher education institutions, as they aim to create an inclusive environment for all students, staff, and faculty. In Oklahoma, state colleges have been under scrutiny for their allocation of funds towards DEI programs. There is a growing interest in understanding just how much state colleges are investing in DEI initiatives, and the impact these programs are making on campus. This topic not only addresses the financial transparency of higher education institutions, but also highlights the importance of creating an equitable and diverse learning environment for all individuals.