Bill > SB749

This bill creates the Oklahoma Higher Education Freedom of Expression and Transparency Act, which aims to protect free speech and intellectual diversity in Oklahoma's higher education institutions. The legislation defines "divisive concepts" related to race and sex and prohibits institutions from showing bias when approving campus events or treating student groups. Institutions must ensure equal access to campus facilities and cannot charge discriminatory fees to student groups. Starting in the 2025-2026 academic year, universities must publish detailed course syllabi online within seven business days of the semester's start, including course descriptions, instructor names, assigned texts, and recent grade distributions. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education must establish rules for tracking student outcomes, creating a complaint process for potential violations, and developing corrective action plans for institutions found to be non-compliant. The bill's underlying legislative findings emphasize the importance of intellectual diversity, freedom of expression, and preventing compelled adherence to specific ideological concepts. The legislation will take effect on July 1, 2025, with an emergency clause allowing immediate implementation upon passage.

Education

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb749&Session=2500