Bill > HB3132

This bill, known as the "Selecting Neutral Accreditors Act," requires state institutions of higher education in Oklahoma to review their accrediting agencies, which are entities that grant public recognition to educational institutions based on their standards, to ensure they have not used any "diversity, equity, and inclusion" (DEI) practices or procedures in the past five years. DEI is defined in the bill as differential treatment or blame based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin (except for immigration status), sex (except for sex-segregated facilities or athletic programs), sexual orientation, or gender identity. If an institution's accrediting agency is found to have used such DEI practices, the institution's board of regents must either switch to an accreditor that does not use DEI practices or, if no such alternative exists, report this to legislative leaders and continue to seek a qualifying accreditor. This review requirement also applies before any new accreditation or renewal process. The bill further states that if an accrediting agency fails to respond to requests for information from the board of regents or the Attorney General, it will be presumed that the agency uses DEI practices, and the Attorney General will notify the parties involved, giving them ten days to correct the issue. Any agreements designed to bypass this act are void, and the Attorney General is empowered to investigate and enforce these provisions, similar to powers granted under the Oklahoma Deceptive Trade Practices Act. This act will become effective on November 1, 2026.

Education

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb3132&Session=2600