Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt signed a controversial bill into law Friday that will restrict how race and gender-based content can be taught in public schools and universities.
“Now more than ever, we need policies that bring us closer together – not rip us apart,” the Republican governor said Friday. “I firmly believe that not one cent of taxpayer money should be used to define and divide young Oklahomans by their race or sex.”
Bill 1775 passed through the state’s legislature with overwhelming support and prohibits the teaching that “one race or sex is inherently superior to another,” and that “an individual, by virtue of his or her race or sex, is inherently racist, sexist or oppressive.”
The legislation has proven controversial. Supporters of the bill argue it prevents racial stereotypes. Opponents believe it will smother critical discussions about racism in society today.
But Stitt dismissed these concerns and argued that nothing in the legislation prevents educators from reviewing history through a critical lens.