Stitt signs controversial bill limiting race, gender curriculum in schools

Despite significant opposition to legislation that would prevent Oklahoma teachers from making students feel discomfort or guilt based on their race or gender, Gov. Kevin Stitt signed the controversial bill into law Friday. 

Stitt signed House Bill 1775 that would prohibit public schoolteachers from teaching that “one race or sex is inherently superior to another,” and that “an individual, by virtue of his or her race or sex, is inherently racist, sexist or oppressive.” 

Proponents of the bill say the measure is designed to prevent the teaching of critical race theory. It's not clear if critical race theory, which examines the way race and racism influence American politics, legal systems and society, is currently being taught in any Oklahoma schools. 

More:Why Black clergy wanted Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt to veto critical race theory bill

Opponents said the bill will discourage difficult and meaningful discussions about race and has the potential to whitewash America's complex racial history.

Critical race theory bill stirs debate

Some Oklahoma school officials and prominent Black community and faith leaders urged Stitt to veto HB 1775 from Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore, and Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant. 

"Now more than ever, we need policies that bring us closer together, not rip us apart," Stitt said in a video message. "As governor, I firmly believe that not one cent of taxpayer money should be used to define and divide young Oklahomans by their race or sex. That is what this bill upholds for public education."

In the video, Stitt said HB 1775 clearly endorses that teachers educate based on the Oklahoma Academic Standards, which include the Oklahoma City bombing, Trail of Tears, Tulsa Race Massacre and the emergence of Black Wall Street. 

The bill explicitly states that nothing in the new law prevents instructors from teaching concepts that align with the state's academic standards.  

"We can, and should, teach this history without labeling a young child as an 'oppressor' or requiring he or she feel guilt or shame based on their race or sex," Stitt said. "I refuse to tolerate otherwise."

The governor’s comments were swiftly criticized after he invoked the words of Martin Luther King Jr. to explain why he signed the bill that has been rebuked by many Black Oklahomans.

Stitt also signed an executive order directed at the State Board of Education and State Regents for Higher Education to clarify the law. He wrote, “I declare that it is my intent that no topic of our history or present inequalities are to be hidden from view."

Some university leaders also opposed the measure that prevents Oklahoma's public colleges and universities from requiring students "engage in any form of mandatory gender or sexual diversity training." 

University of Oklahoma President Joseph Harroz in a Thursday email to members of the OU community said key university administrators have advocated against HB 1775 since it was introduced in the Oklahoma Legislature. 

"It runs contrary to the goals we have laid out for ourselves as part of our Strategic Plan, and the initiatives we have established to make OU a place of true belonging for all," Harroz wrote. "As an institution of higher learning, we are a fertile ground for the exchange of free ideas and the celebration of all forms of diversity.

"This bill, should it be passed, will not limit our efforts to continue honoring academic freedom and fostering an inclusive environment." 

With the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre coming this month, the Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission urged Stitt to veto HB 1775, saying it could have serious implications on how the historical event is taught in Oklahoma schools. 

“No matter how poorly written, the intention of the bill clearly aims to limit teaching the racial implications of America’s history,” the commission said in a statement. “The bill serves no purpose than to fuel the racism and denial that afflicts our communities and our nation. It is a sad day and a stain on Oklahoma.”

The authors of HB 1775 praised Stitt for signing the legislation into law. In a statement, Bullard, referenced the changes he saw over his 15-year history as a government and history teacher. 

“I have seen many shifts in curriculum such as pedagogy and critical thinking models” Bullard said. “Unfortunately, there is a disturbing trend that has currently found its way into both higher education and in K-12. Too many schools and institutions have stopped focusing on high quality education and instead have turned to a policy of indoctrination.”

Because of an emergency clause on the legislation, HB 1775 takes effect immediately.

The State Department of Education will be required to promulgate rules to carry out this new law. Those rules will need approval from the state legislature.