The National Parents Union is pleased with the recent decision by US Western District Judge Charles Goodwin to temporarily block certain sections of House Bill (HB) 1775, effectively pausing the implementation of classroom censorship measures in Oklahoma.
HB 1775, signed into law by Gov. Kevin Stitt on May 5, 2021, restricts the teaching of specific racial and gender topics in Oklahoma K-12 and university classrooms and has threatened students’ ability to celebrate, learn about and express their identity at school.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma Foundation (ACLU OK), the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, and pro bono counsel Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the bill.
Judge Goodwin’s ruling, which acknowledges the bill’s ambiguous language and harmful impact on education, is a crucial step in safeguarding the rights of students and teachers.
National Parents Union President Keri Rodrigues said:
“We are thrilled with Judge Goodwin’s decision to halt the enforcement of the most damaging sections of HB 1775. This ruling is a victory for inclusive education and a rejection of politically motivated censorship. We believe that robust and nuanced discussions of history, identity, and culture are essential in fostering an informed and empathetic society. This decision allows university classrooms to once again address important issues of racism and sexism, and provides K-12 teachers with much-needed clarity and protection.
The National Parents Union stands with the ACLU of Oklahoma Foundation and other advocates in defending the rights of students and educators. We are committed to ensuring that education remains a platform for equity, cultural relevance, and the representation of diverse histories and experiences. As we await the final court decision, we will continue to support efforts to strike down HB 1775 permanently and uphold the principles of free speech and inclusive education.”
ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARENTS UNION
With nearly 1,500 affiliated parent organizations in all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico, the National Parents Union is the united, independent voice of modern American families. We channel the power of parents into powerful policies that improve the lives of children, families and communities across the United States. https://nationalparentsunion.org/