OKLAHOMA CITY — A federal judge has issued a temporary injunction against certain sections of House Bill (HB) 1775, marking a significant pause in the enactment of classroom censorship measures.
HB 1775 was signed into law by Gov. Kevin Stitt on May 5, 2021. It prohibits teaching certain racial and gender topics in Oklahoma K-12 and university classrooms. The same year, Tulsa, Oklahoma, commemorated the 100 anniversary of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.
That year, a lawsuit was filed by 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 challenging the bill’s constitutionality.
Partial Blockade: Judge Goodwin Navigates the Complexities of HB 1775’s Language and Provisions
After hearing oral arguments in December, US Western District Judge Charles Goodwin held that the bill’s vague language makes it difficult for teachers to know what they can and can’t teach. A court blocked a provision that prohibited university orientations and requirements from addressing racism or sexism.
However, Goodwin permitted the enactment of other sections of the bill. This includes the section that bans school employees from incorporating discriminatory principles based on race and sex into any part of a course.
Legal Milestone: HB 1775’s Educational Restrictions Temporarily Lifted, Awaiting Final Court Decision
“This ruling is an important victory for our clients and other Oklahoma students and teachers who value inclusive education. HB 1775’s prohibition on teaching banned concepts can no longer be applied in college classrooms, and K-12 teachers are now safe from the Act’s most confusing restrictions,” Emerson Sykes, staff attorney with the ACLU Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project, said in a release. “We look forward to the court permanently striking down this unconstitutional classroom censorship law.”
Goodwin did not rule whether the law violated the 14th Amendment. However, the court has ordered attorneys for both sides to submit questions by June 28 that will be sent to the Oklahoma Supreme Court.
“We are thrilled that robust and nuanced discussions of history, identity, and culture may return to Oklahoma university classrooms and that K-12 teachers have some much-needed guidance in navigating the law,” Megan Lambert, ACLU of Oklahoma Foundation legal director, said in a release. “We will continue to defend Oklahoma’s students and teachers from politically motivated censorship and racial discrimination.”
The ACLU of Oklahoma Foundation argues that HB 1775 unlawfully silenced students’ and educators’ speech through vague and overbroad terms, amounting to classroom censorship. They also argued that it deliberately restricts access to equitable and culturally relevant education that represents the history and experiences of Black, Indigenous, and other people of color, as well as women, girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ students.
National Parents Union Celebrates as Judge Halts Enforcement of HB 1775, Upholding Inclusive Education and Free Speech
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.
National Parents Union President Keri Rodrigues
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A Temporary Victory: Judge Goodwin’s Injunction Against Classroom Censorship
“Judge Goodwin’s ruling pushes our state closer to justice, especially for marginalized communities who have not only been historically abused physically but academically as well. We will continue to fight and convince the court that we are on the right side of the law,” Anthony Crawford, a teacher who is a plaintiff in the case, said in a release.
The temporary injunction against HB 1775 marks a crucial stand against classroom censorship in Oklahoma. This decision underscores the need to preserve academic freedom and inclusive education. As the case progresses, it remains a focal point for advocates of educational equity, highlighting the importance of fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are embraced.
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