OK SB796

Prohibits Oklahoma public higher education institutions from using state funds to support DEI positions, departments, or programs that grant preferential treatment based on race, color, sex, ethnicity, or national origin

Bans mandatory DEI training, loyalty oaths favoring particular demographic groups, required diversity statements for job applicants, and compelled pronoun disclosure

Requires institutions to review existing DEI functions and restructure or eliminate those not necessary for compliance, accreditation, or broad student/employee support services

Exempts activities required for accreditation, individual faculty academic freedom, scholarly research, student organizations, guest speakers, tutoring/career services, data collection, and access programs for veterans, Pell Grant recipients, first-generation students, and underserved populations

Institutions must submit annual compliance certificates to the Governor, Senate President Pro Tempore, and House Speaker by July 1, 2026, and each July 1 thereafter; effective date is July 1, 2025