OKLAHOMA CITY — Gov. Kevin Stitt signed an executive order Wednesday prohibiting state agencies, colleges and universities from using state funds to support diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
The order will effectively end campus diversity, equity and inclusion offices, University of Oklahoma President Joseph Harroz Jr. said in an email to students, faculty and staff.
“We are disappointed that today’s executive order has reached college campuses across Oklahoma and eliminated offices of diversity, equity, and inclusion,” the university said in a statement. “While we are committed to compliance, the University of Oklahoma will always remain committed to its core principles that make The Open University a place of belonging where the American dream is available to all.”
The order prohibits state-funded diversity programs “to the extent they grant preferential treatment based on the race, color, ethnicity, or national origin of a single person.”
It also requires all state agencies and public colleges and universities to conduct a review of their diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and eliminate non-essential compliance, accreditation, or student and employee support services positions.
Standing behind a podium decorated with a sign that said “Defund Discrimination,” Stitt said at a news conference that his executive order takes politics out of education.
“I sign this executive order today to remind all state-funded institutions that we view all Oklahomans as equal without regard to race, color, sex, ethnicity, or national origin,” he said.
Diversity and inclusion initiatives on campus range from programs addressing race and gender identity to services for veterans, the disabled, international students, single mothers, non-traditional students, and low-income students.
Rep. Annie Means, D-Norman, said trying to prevent college students from interacting with and understanding the diversity around them is absurd and futile.
“This action will have a negative impact 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,” she said in a statement. “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.”
Stitt and State Superintendent Ryan Walters have targeted diversity programs over the past year. Their criticism coincides with a national conservative campaign to defund and eliminate public diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
Walters previously requested a 10-year review of campus diversity, equity and inclusion spending at Oklahoma colleges and universities that showed only 0.29% of total higher education spending this year would fund such programs. He celebrated Stitt’s executive order, saying such inclusion efforts should be known as “discrimination, exclusion and indoctrination.”
Oklahoma State University said officials are reviewing State’s order.
“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,” the university said in a statement.
GOP state lawmakers appear poised to enshrine portions of Stitt’s executive order into state law.
Sen. Rob Standridge, R-Norman, who has criticized diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at colleges and universities, introduced four pieces of legislation Wednesday to stop such initiatives.
Universities’ accreditation and compliance with federal law can depend on having diversity and inclusion programs. Losing accreditation could cost students their federal financial aid, their choice to transfer credits to other schools, and their ability to meet employer or licensing requirements, Oklahoma higher education consultant Allison Garrett told lawmakers in October.
Asked whether his executive order could affect federally funded programs at universities, Stitt said accrediting officials are constantly imposing requirements on higher education institutions.
“We will cross that bridge when it comes to whether it is accreditation or not,” he said.
Angela Cadell, a spokeswoman for the state Trustees of Higher Education, said the Oklahoma college and university system will comply with the order.
“We will continue to focus on supporting all Oklahoma students as they pursue college degrees and prepare to join our workforce,” she said.
State’s order does not apply to programs for members of the military, veterans, first-generation college students, Pell Grant recipients, students from low-income families and disadvantaged student groups.
The directive comes about two years after Stitt signed controversial legislation limiting K-12 lessons on race and gender and prohibiting colleges from requiring diversity training.
State agencies and universities must comply with the order by May 31, 2024. All agencies will have to submit reports detailing diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and which positions have been restricted or eliminated.
The Oklahoma Voice is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. The Oklahoma Voice maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Janelle Sticklin with questions: info@oklahomavoice.com. Follow Voice of Oklahoma on Facebook and Twitter.
The recent decision by Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt to ban diversity and inclusion initiatives at colleges has sparked widespread debate and controversy within the community. This move has raised concerns about the impact it will have on promoting a more inclusive and equitable environment within higher education institutions. Many are questioning the governor’s motives and the potential consequences for students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds. This decision has ignited conversations about the importance of diversity and inclusion in creating a welcoming and supportive community for all members. It is clear that this issue has significant implications for the future of higher education in Oklahoma and the overall sense of belonging within the community.