Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt issues order removing DEI from state agencies

Gov. Kevin Stitt (R-OK) signed an executive order on Wednesday to remove diversity, equity, and inclusion offices from state agencies.

The order asks state employees to “eliminate and dismiss non-critical personnel” as the state will no longer fund DEI positions. It also goes on to prohibit mandated training or certification on the topic or any requirement to use preferred pronouns in government departments or public universities.

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Stitt promised in an address earlier this year to shift from fewer DEI officers on campuses to more career counselors. He went on to say on X, formerly known as Twitter, that Oklahoma will “celebrate our diversity without the DEI bureaucracy.”

“Diversity is an asset that shouldn’t be abused to advance a political agenda,” Stitt wrote. “That’s why my executive order calls on state agencies and higher ed to review their DEI practices. We’re taking politics out of education and focusing on preparing students for the workforce.”

The order will not apply to student organizations that put on events, academic courses, already existing programs that provide access to students, or guest speakers. It is also not meant to limit debate or speech on the topic of DEI. Still, universities expressed disagreement with the order.

“We are disappointed that today’s executive order reaches into college campuses across Oklahoma and eliminates offices of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion,” the University of Oklahoma wrote in a statement. “While we are obligated to comply, the University of Oklahoma will always remain committed to its core principles that make OU a place of belonging where the American Dream is available to all. … We remain committed to ensuring an education from the University of Oklahoma remains accessible and available to all students and will continue to work to recruit and retain a workforce of the most talented and qualified minds that are representative of our state.”

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“For many of us, this news evokes deep concern and uncertainty about the future, and in many ways feels like a step backward,” the statement continued. “Though we are obligated to comply with the governor’s executive order, we will remain committed to ensuring that an education from the University of Oklahoma remains accessible and available to all, and we will continue to work to recruit and retain a workforce of talented and qualified minds that is representative of our state.”

Agencies will have until May 31, 2024, to provide evidence of their compliance.