Bill > SB408

This bill aims to protect pregnant students in Oklahoma's higher education institutions by prohibiting discrimination based on pregnancy. The bill defines an "institution" as either a public university within the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education or a private accredited institution receiving state educational funding. It prevents institutions, their faculty, and staff from forcing pregnant students to take a leave of absence, withdraw from a program, or limit their studies solely due to pregnancy. Instead, institutions must provide reasonable accommodations, which may include maintaining a safe distance from hazardous substances, allowing makeup of missed tests and assignments, and excusing medically necessary absences. The bill ensures that pregnant students can take up to six months of leave for pregnancy-related reasons and maintain their academic standing, with the option to extend this period if medically necessary. Institutions must consider housing accommodations for pregnant students and develop written policies addressing pregnancy discrimination. The Office of Civil Rights Enforcement within the Attorney General's office will investigate complaints and help forward them to the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights. The bill will become effective on July 1, 2025, and is being enacted as an emergency measure to protect pregnant students' educational rights.

Education

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb408&Session=2600