Oklahoma Governor Stitt Takes Aim at DEI Measures in Latest Executive Order

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has signed an executive order, similar to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' moves, targeting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in state agencies and higher education. The order requires a review of DEI positions, departments, activities, procedures, and programs, with the aim of eliminating non-critical personnel. State agencies and institutions for higher education are prohibited from granting or supporting DEI positions or programs that provide preferential treatment based on race, color, sex, ethnicity, or national origin. The University of Oklahoma stated that the order effectively shuts down their offices of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Critics argue that the move is a step backward and wastes taxpayer dollars.