Oklahoma Administrative Code
Title 1 - EXECUTIVE ORDERS
Section 1:2021-12

EXECUTIVE ORDER 2021-12

Today, I signed into law House Bill 1775. House Bill 1775 helps us move to a future where all four million Oklahomans are treated as valued children of God. This legislation prohibits the teaching of concepts repugnant to the vast majority of Oklahomans. Among these are notions that "one race or sex is inherently superior to another race or sex" and "an individual, by virtue of his or her race or sex, is inherently racist ..."

All of our children need to learn about the promises and ideals that make our state and nation great and also learn where we have fallen short and where we can strive to better achieve our highest moral purposes. In some discussions of this matter, however, a critical part of the bill has been overlooked. Section 1, subsection B ensures the "provisions of this [bill] shall not prohibit the teaching of concepts that align to the Oklahoma Academic Standards." These standards include important topics in America's fraught history with race from the Dred Scott decision and the Civil War to segregation and Oklahoma's own history, including the Trail of Tears, the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, and the courage of Clara Luper. These topics should and will be taught in Oklahoma schools so that we may reckon with our history.

Unfortunately, a growing movement in our country seeks to divide people by race and other markers of identity. Some go so far as to say "(t)he only remedy to past discrimination is present discrimination. The only remedy to present discrimination is future discrimination." I believe we can do better than that. As long as I am Governor, we will strive to live up to the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and build an Oklahoma where all people are "not judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."

To ensure clarity in the implementation of House Bill 1775 and to provide guidance for the State Regents for Higher Education and the State Board of Education, I declare that it is my intent that no topic of our history or present inequalities are to be hidden from view. Rather, it is my intent that we teach about Oklahoma's diversity in light of its fundamental unity. We must come together as one people and refuse to be divided by those who would profit from fringe theories.

THEREFORE, I HEREBY CALL ON the Oklahoma State Board of Education to implement this Bill consistent with the existing Oklahoma Academic Standards.

This Executive Order shall be distributed to the State Regents for Higher Education and members of the State Board of Education, who shall cause the provisions of this Order to be implemented.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Oklahoma to be affixed at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, this 7th day of May, 2021.

BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA

J. Kevin Stitt

ATTEST:

Brian Bingman

Secretary of State