Oklahoma Bans DEI Funding on College Campuses Starting July

Oklahoma and Texas are advancing legislation that bans or restricts Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in education. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed Senate Bill 796, prohibiting the use of state funds for DEI jobs, activities, or programs at colleges and universities, with compliance required by 2026; the law also forbids requiring DEI statements, pronoun disclosure, or related training, while excluding individual faculty instruction and scholarly research. Supporters argue the ban addresses perceived discrimination against white men and preserves merit-based outcomes, whereas critics fear it undermines civil rights progress and may negatively impact programs aiding students with disabilities. In Texas, Senate Bill 12 proposes banning DEI initiatives in K-12 public schools alongside tightening parental notification requirements, sparking debate over its potential to perpetuate racial bias or restrict efforts to close achievement gaps. Proponents claim the bill empowers parents and focuses on student performance without discrimination, while opponents—including the NAACP Legal Defense Fund—warn that DEI policies are essential for addressing systemic inequities. The Texas debate reflects broader national discussions on the role of DEI in education and government institutions.