Bill > HB3134

This bill, known as the "Keep Accreditation About Academics Act," prohibits accrediting agencies, which are organizations that grant public recognition to educational institutions based on their standards, from using any diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices or procedures when deciding whether to accredit or renew the accreditation of an institution of higher education in Oklahoma. DEI is defined in the bill as any differential treatment or blame based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin (except for immigration status), sex (except for sex-segregated facilities like dorms or bathrooms), sexual orientation, or gender identity. The bill mandates that accrediting agencies must implement policies to prevent their decision-makers from collecting or being presented with DEI-related information during the accreditation process. Enforcement of this act can be initiated through civil lawsuits brought by students or employees of an institution of higher education, and the Attorney General is also authorized to enforce it. Violations are considered breaches of the Oklahoma Anti-Discrimination Act and the Oklahoma Consumer Protection Act, and any accrediting agency found in violation will be required to pay the plaintiff's attorney fees and costs, as well as damages equal to three times the fees paid by the institution to the agency, and civil penalties of up to $1,000 per student.

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http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb3134&Session=2600