Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) signed a bill on Tuesday ending funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in higher education.
While Stitt signed SB 796 in May, he ceremonially signed the bill while joined by U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. McMahon joined Stitt for a visit and literacy roundtable at a public charter school called Dove Science Academy as part of her “Returning Education to the States” 50-State Tour.
“Oklahoma is proving the value of returning education to the states, with schools that emphasize literacy and equip students with what they need to succeed in the workforce,” McMahon said in a statement. “That same commitment to students is reflected in the state’s new law ending DEI mandates – ensuring education is grounded in merit, not radical ideology. It was encouraging to be in the Sooner State to support this important step toward state-driven education reform.”