Bill > SB1726

This bill requires any institution of higher education in Oklahoma that uses graduate students as instructors of record or primary classroom instructors for undergraduate courses to establish and maintain a formal training program for these graduate instructors. This training must cover effective teaching methods, classroom management, how to assess and grade students, how to accommodate students with disabilities, maintaining academic integrity, and understanding relevant institutional, state, and federal policies. Crucially, the training will also include instruction on protecting students' First Amendment rights, specifically concerning free speech, free inquiry, and viewpoint neutrality, emphasizing that students should not face penalties in grading or evaluation for their lawful expression. This act is set to become effective on July 1, 2026, and is declared an emergency measure, meaning it will take effect immediately upon its passage and approval.