Big Win: Oklahoma Bans University DEI Departments

Three cheers for Oklahoma. On December 13, Governor Kevin Stitt took a major step toward rolling back divisive and discriminatory ideology at public universities, including the state’s two medical schools. So-called “diversity, equity, and inclusion” is now on the retreat in Oklahoma.

Gov. Stitt signed an executive order with multiple necessary reforms. University faculty, staff, students, and applicants are protected from being forced to sign “DEI statements” or other forms of woke loyalty oaths. What’s more, state funds and property can no longer be used toward for woke training or on departments that “grant preferential treatment” based on “race, color, sex, ethnicity, or national origin.”

That’s essentially a ban on DEI departments. But DEI goes well beyond specific departments, which is why the Governor’s order also requires universities to review their overall DEI policies. That will sure bring plenty of disturbing policies to light.

The Governor rightly declared that “diversity is an asset that shouldn’t be abused to advance a political agenda.” He further stated that Oklahoma is now “taking politics out of education and focusing on preparing students for the workforce.”

Yet the President of the University of Oklahoma is trying to defend the indefensible. In a letter responding to the executive order, he stated “this news evokes deep concern and uncertainty about the future, and in many ways feels like a step backward.” In fact, Oklahoma’s reform is a huge step forward.

The OU President’s letter indicates that state universities and medical schools will surely try to get around this order. They’re obsessed with DEI and determined to continue spreading division and discrimination. DEI initiatives have embedded identity politics into all aspects of university life. The result of this has been to further group-based biases like anti-Semitism. Beyond Oklahoma, universities like Harvard and others are doubling down on DEI. Oklahoma schools likely want to do the same, regardless of state restrictions.

Do No Harm will be watching them closely. We’re grateful to Gov. Stitt for moving Oklahoma’s higher education in the right direction.