Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has issued an executive order banning the use of state funds, property, or resources by state agencies and institutions for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs that grant preferential treatment based on race, color, sex, ethnicity, or national origin.
Stitt aims to encourage equal opportunity rather than equal outcomes and shift the focus away from exclusivity and discrimination.
The order also prohibits forcing individuals to participate in certain activities or disclose personal information. (Trending: Here Are The Most Disturbing Ways Hunter Biden Spent His Millions)
The ban will be enforced “to the extent they grant preferential treatment based on one person’s particular race, color, sex, ethnicity, or national origin over another’s.”
“In Oklahoma, we’re going to encourage equal opportunity, rather than promising equal outcomes,” said Stitt.
“Encouraging our workforce, economy, and education systems to flourish means shifting focus away from exclusivity and discrimination, and toward opportunity and merit,” he continued.
Adding, “We’re taking politics out of education and focusing on preparing students for the workforce.”
The funds are prohibited from forcing people to “participate in, listen to, or receive any education, training, activities, procedures, or programming,” “swear, certify, or agree to any loyalty oath that favors or prefers one particular race, color, sex, ethnicity, or national origin over another,” forcing people to “certify or declare agreement with, recognition of, or adherence to, any particular political, philosophical, religious, or other ideological viewpoint,” forcing people to “provide a diversity, equity, and inclusion statement,” for a job, or forcing a person to “disclose their pronouns.”
This move has garnered support from various organizations and individuals who believe that DEI programs can lead to division, erode free speech rights, and increase tuition costs.
Patrice Onwuka, director of Independent Women’s Forum’s Center for Economic Opportunity said, “As a nation, we strive for equality of opportunity to give every young person a chance at achieving their American Dream.”
“For years, universities and government agencies, even those in red states, have become increasingly beholden to a coercive liberal agenda, often framed under the banner of DEI,” said David Safavian, general counsel for the American Conservative Union.
“The transformation of these institutions has been exposed following the response by major universities in the aftermath of the October 7th terror attack by Hamas,” continued Safavian.
“Especially with that in mind, CPAC applauds Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt for acting through executive order today to take down DEI in all of Oklahoma’s government.”
The governor’s action has been praised for removing discriminatory and divisive race-based programming and staffing from Oklahoma colleges and universities.
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