This bill aims to enhance protections against discrimination in institutions of higher education and public schools in Oklahoma by explicitly prohibiting discrimination based on race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, disability, religion, or marital status. It establishes definitions for terms such as "antisemitism" and mandates that all educational programs and activities be accessible to all students without discrimination. The bill also requires institutions to integrate the definition of antisemitism into their codes of conduct and to treat harassment and discrimination motivated by antisemitic intent similarly to racial discrimination.
Additionally, the bill directs the State Department of Education and the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to designate Title VI coordinators responsible for monitoring antisemitic discrimination and harassment. These coordinators will investigate complaints and report findings to the appropriate federal departments if necessary. The bill emphasizes the importance of training and curriculum related to antisemitism and mandates annual reporting on the status of antisemitism in educational institutions. It also clarifies that the act does not infringe upon First Amendment rights or conflict with existing discrimination laws. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with an emergency clause for immediate implementation upon passage.