Senate Bill No. 1187 mandates that each institution within the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education establish a dedicated square or plaza named the "Charlie Kirk Memorial Plaza" to honor the legacy of Charlie Kirk, a proponent of free speech and civic engagement. The bill outlines that these plazas must be prominently located on campus and include permanent signage commemorating Kirk's contributions. Additionally, a statue of Charlie Kirk is to be included in the design, with specific requirements for its appearance and approval by the Legislature. Institutions are required to submit detailed plans for the plazas by March 1, 2027, and must complete construction by March 1, 2028, with penalties for noncompliance.
The bill also allows institutions to accept donations and apply for grant funds to support the development of the plazas. It establishes security measures to protect the plazas and statues from vandalism, with strict penalties for any defacement. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education are tasked with creating guidelines for the plazas and ensuring compliance through annual reports. The bill emphasizes the importance of these memorials in fostering an environment of intellectual freedom and civic engagement on college campuses. An emergency clause is included, allowing the bill to take effect immediately upon passage.