Oklahoma Governor Issues Order to Review DEI Programs in State Agencies and Universities

The executive order prohibits the use of state funds for DEI training and requires agencies to provide evidence of compliance by May 31, 2024.

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has signed an executive order requiring state agencies and universities to review their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs and dismiss 'non-essential personnel'.
The order prohibits the use of state funds for DEI training or requiring employees and new hires to sign onto a DEI 'statement'.
Stitt's order also bars agencies and universities from using state funding to force employees or students to 'certify or declare agreement with, recognition of, or adherence to, any particular political, philosophical, religious, or other ideological viewpoint'.
Universities and agencies will also not be able to require staff or students to 'disclose their pronouns' under the new order.
Agencies will have until May 31, 2024, to provide evidence of their compliance.