Oklahoma § 70-24

§ 70-24.

Repealed by Laws 1949, p. 607, art. 20, § 9.

§70-24-100. Renumbered as § 24-100.5 of this title by Laws 2002, c.

149, § 5, eff. Nov. 1, 2002.

§70-24-100.1. Prevention of violence services.

A. It is the intent of the Legislature to encourage and assist

the public schools of this state to address school violence through

an emphasis on prevention. Preventative services shall be

encouraged through greater access to mental health counseling and

social services for students. In order to make licensed

professional counselors and licensed social workers more available

and accessible on site, school districts may:

1. Contract with and allocate space for nonprofit agencies or

other community-based service providers for the appropriate

personnel and services;

2. Seek any available funding, including the use of Medicaid

funds for students who are Medicaid eligible through targeted case

management, and any other funding which may be available for related

services; and

3. Encourage the State Board of Education to allow for the use

of licensed professional counselors and licensed social workers in

addition to academic counselors.

Added by Laws 2000, c. 34, § 1, eff. July 1, 2000.

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools

§70-24-100.2. Short title - School Safety and Bullying Prevention

Act.

Sections 24-100.2 through 24-100.5 of this title shall be known

and may be cited as the "School Safety and Bullying Prevention Act".

Added by Laws 2002, c. 149, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2002. Amended by Laws

2013, c. 311, § 1.

§70-24-100.3. School Safety and Bullying Prevention Act Definitions.

A. As used in the School Safety and Bullying Prevention Act:

1. "Bullying" means any pattern of harassment, intimidation,

threatening behavior, physical acts, verbal or electronic

communication directed toward a student or group of students that

results in or is reasonably perceived as being done with the intent

to cause negative educational or physical results for the targeted

individual or group and is communicated in such a way as to disrupt

or interfere with the school's educational mission or the education

of any student;

2. "At school" means on school grounds, in school vehicles, at

school-sponsored activities, or at school-sanctioned events;

3. "Electronic communication" means the communication of any

written, verbal, pictorial information or video content by means of

an electronic device, including, but not limited to, a telephone, a

mobile or cellular telephone or other wireless telecommunication

device, or a computer; and

4. "Threatening behavior" means any pattern of behavior or

isolated action, whether or not it is directed at another person,

that a reasonable person would believe indicates potential for

future harm to students, school personnel, or school property.

B. Nothing in this act shall be construed to impose a specific

liability on any school district.

Added by Laws 2002, c. 149, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2002. Amended by Laws

2008, c. 216, § 5, eff. Nov. 1, 2008; Laws 2013, c. 311, § 2.

§70-24-100.4. School Safety and Bullying Prevention Act Discipline of child - Prohibition of bullying at school and online –

Policy requirements.

A. Each school district board of education shall adopt a policy

for the discipline of all children attending public school in that

district, and for the investigation of reported incidents of

bullying. The policy shall provide options for the discipline of

the students and shall define standards of conduct to which students

are expected to conform. The policy shall:

1. Specifically address bullying by students at school and by

electronic communication, if the communication is specifically

directed at students or school personnel and concerns bullying at

school;

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools

2. Contain a procedure for reporting an act of bullying to a

school official or law enforcement agency, including a provision

that permits a person to report an act anonymously. No formal

disciplinary action shall be taken solely on the basis of an

anonymous report;

3. Contain a requirement that any school employee that has

reliable information that would lead a reasonable person to suspect

that a person is a target of bullying shall immediately report it to

the principal or a designee of the principal;

4. Contain a statement of how the policy is to be publicized

including a requirement that:

a.

an annual written notice of the policy be provided to

parents, guardians, staff, volunteers and students,

with age-appropriate language for students,

b.

notice of the policy be posted at various locations

within each school site, including but not limited to

cafeterias, school bulletin boards, and administration

offices,

c.

the policy be posted on the Internet website for the

school district and each school site that has an

Internet website, and

d.

the policy be included in all student and employee

handbooks;

5. Require that appropriate school district personnel involved

in investigating reports of bullying make a determination regarding

whether the conduct is actually occurring;

6. Contain a procedure for providing timely notification to the

parents or guardians of a victim of documented and verified bullying

and to the parents or guardians of the perpetrator of the documented

and verified bullying;

7. Identify by job title the school official responsible for

enforcing the policy;

8. Contain procedures for reporting to law enforcement all

documented and verified acts of bullying which may constitute

criminal activity or reasonably have the potential to endanger

school safety;

9. Require training for administrators and school employees as

developed and provided by the State Department of Education in

preventing, identifying, responding to and reporting incidents of

bullying. The training shall be completed the first year an

administrator or school employee is employed by a school district,

and then once every fifth academic year;

10. Provide for an educational program as designed and

developed by the State Department of Education and in consultation

with the Office of Juvenile Affairs for students and parents in

preventing, identifying, responding to and reporting incidents of

bullying;

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools

11. Establish a procedure for referral of a person who commits

an act of bullying to a delinquency prevention and diversion program

administered by the Office of Juvenile Affairs;

12. Address prevention by providing:

a.

consequences and remedial action for a person who

commits an act of bullying,

b.

consequences and remedial action for a student found

to have falsely accused another as a means of

retaliation, reprisal or as a means of bullying, and

c.

a strategy for providing counseling or referral to

appropriate services, including guidance, academic

intervention, and other protection for students, both

targets and perpetrators, and family members affected

by bullying, as necessary;

13. Establish a procedure for:

a.

the investigation, determination and documentation of

all incidents of bullying reported to school

officials,

b.

identifying the principal or a designee of the

principal as the person responsible for investigating

incidents of bullying,

c.

reporting the number of incidents of bullying, and

d.

determining the severity of the incidents and their

potential to result in future violence;

14. Establish a procedure whereby, upon completing an

investigation of bullying, a school may recommend that available

community mental health care, substance abuse or other counseling

options be provided to the student, if appropriate; and

15. Establish a procedure whereby a school may request the

disclosure of any information concerning students who have received

mental health, substance abuse, or other care pursuant to paragraph

14 of this subsection that indicates an explicit threat to the

safety of students or school personnel, provided the disclosure of

the information does not violate the requirements and provisions of

the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, the Health

Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, Section 2503

of Title 12 of the Oklahoma Statutes, Section 1376 of Title 59 of

the Oklahoma Statutes, or any other state or federal laws regarding

the disclosure of confidential information.

B. In developing the policy, the district board of education

shall make an effort to involve the teachers, parents,

administrators, school staff, school volunteers, community

representatives, local law enforcement agencies and students. The

students, teachers, and parents or guardian of every child residing

within a school district shall be notified by the district board of

education of its adoption of the policy and shall receive a copy

upon request. The school district policy shall be implemented in a

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools

manner that is ongoing throughout the school year and is integrated

with other violence prevention efforts.

C. The teacher of a child attending a public school shall have

the same right as a parent or guardian to control and discipline

such child according to district policies during the time the child

is in attendance or in transit to or from the school or any other

school function authorized by the school district or classroom

presided over by the teacher.

D. Except concerning students on individualized education plans

(IEP) pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

(IDEA), P.L. No. 101-476, the State Board of Education shall not

have authority to prescribe student disciplinary policies for school

districts or to proscribe corporal punishment in the public schools.

The State Board of Education shall not have authority to require

school districts to file student disciplinary action reports more

often than once each year and shall not use disciplinary action

reports in determining a school district's or school site's

eligibility for program assistance including competitive grants.

E. The board of education of each school district in this state

shall have the option of adopting a dress code for students enrolled

in the school district. The board of education of a school district

shall also have the option of adopting a dress code which includes

school uniforms.

F. The board of education of each school district in this state

shall have the option of adopting a procedure that requires students

to perform campus-site service for violating the district's policy.

G. The State Board of Education shall:

1. Promulgate rules for periodically monitoring school

districts for compliance with this section and providing sanctions

for noncompliance with this section;

2. Establish and maintain a central repository for the

collection of information regarding documented and verified

incidents of bullying; and

3. Publish a report annually on the State Department of

Education website regarding the number of documented and verified

incidents of bullying in the public schools in the state.

Added by Laws 1971, c. 281, § 6-114, eff. July 2, 1971. Amended by

Laws 1982, c. 326, § 2; Laws 1985, c. 329, § 13, emerg. eff. July

30, 1985; Laws 1995, c. 241, § 2, eff. July 1, 1995; Laws 1999, c.

320, § 34, eff. July 1, 1999; Laws 2000, c. 232, § 11, eff. July 1,

2000; Laws 2002, c. 149, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 2002. Renumbered from §

6-114 of this title by Laws 2002, c. 149, § 5, eff. Nov. 1, 2002.

Amended by Laws 2008, c. 216, § 6, eff. Nov. 1, 2008; Laws 2013, c.

311, § 3; Laws 2014, c. 345, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2014; Laws 2016, c.

277, § 1; Laws 2023, c. 15, § 6, eff. July 1, 2023.

§70-24-100.5.

Safe School Committees – Model policy.

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools

A. Every year each public school site shall establish a Safe

School Committee to be composed of at least seven (7) members. The

Safe School Committee shall be composed of teachers, parents of

enrolled students, students, and a school official who participates

in the investigation of reports of bullying as required by

subsection A of Section 24-100.4 of this title. The Committee may

include administrators, school staff, school volunteers, community

representatives, and local law enforcement agencies. The Committee

shall assist the school board in promoting a positive school climate

through planning, implementing and evaluating effective prevention,

readiness and response strategies, including the policy required by

Section 24-100.4 of this title.

B. The Safe School Committee shall study and make

recommendations to the principal regarding:

1. Unsafe conditions, possible strategies for students, faculty

and staff to avoid physical and emotional harm at school, student

victimization, crime prevention, school violence, and other issues

which prohibit the maintenance of a safe school;

2. Student bullying as defined in Section 24-100.3 of this

title;

3. Professional development needs of faculty and staff to

recognize and implement methods to decrease student bullying;

4. Methods to encourage the involvement of the community and

students, the development of individual relationships between

students and school staff, and use of problem-solving teams and

resources that include counselors and other behavioral health and

suicide prevention resources within or outside the school system;

and

5. Professional development needs of faculty and staff to

recognize and report suspected human trafficking.

In its considerations, the Safe School Committee shall review

the district policy for the prevention of bullying and the list of

research-based programs appropriate for the prevention of bullying

of students at school compiled by the State Department of Education.

In addition, the Committee may review traditional and accepted

bullying prevention programs utilized by other states, state

agencies, or school districts.

C. The Safe School Committee may study and make recommendations

to the school district board of education regarding the development

of a rape or sexual assault response program that may be implemented

at the school site.

D. The State Department of Education shall:

1. Develop a model policy and deliver training materials to all

school districts on the components that should be included in a

school district policy for the prevention of bullying; and

2. Compile and distribute to each public school site,

prominently display on the State Department of Education website and

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools

annually publicize in print media a list of research-based programs

appropriate for the prevention of bullying of students. If a school

district implements a commercial bullying prevention program, it

shall use a program listed by the State Department of Education.

E. The provisions of this section shall not apply to technology

center schools.

Added by Laws 1996, c. 252, § 1, eff. July 1, 1996. Amended by Laws

2001, c. 33, § 120, eff. July 1, 2001; Laws 2002, c. 149, § 4, eff.

Nov. 1, 2002. Renumbered from § 24-100 of this title by Laws 2002,

c. 149, § 5, eff. Nov. 1, 2002. Amended by Laws 2008, c. 216, § 7,

eff. Nov. 1, 2008; Laws 2013, c. 311, § 4; Laws 2015, c. 246, § 2,

eff. Nov. 1, 2015; Laws 2019, c. 285, § 1, eff. July 1, 2019.

§70-24-100.6. Right of student victims to be separated from

offender - Notice to school district of juvenile sex offender

identity - School attendance of juvenile sex offender.

A. Students who have been victims of certain felony offenses by

other students, as well as the siblings of the student victims, have

the right to be kept separated from the student offender both at

school and during school transportation.

B. Notwithstanding any provision of law prohibiting the

disclosure of the identity of a minor, within thirty (30) days of

the time of the adjudication or withholding of adjudication of any

juvenile offender for any offense subject to the Juvenile Sex

Offender Registration Act, either the juvenile bureau in counties

which have juvenile bureaus or the Office of Juvenile Affairs in all

other counties shall notify the superintendent of the school

district in which the juvenile offender is enrolled or intends to

enroll of the adjudication and the offense for which the child was

adjudicated. Upon receipt of such notice, the school district shall

notify the victim and parent or guardian of the victim of their

right to request to be separated from the offender at school and

during school transportation. If the victim requests to be

separated from the offender, the school district shall take

appropriate action to effectuate the provisions of subsection C of

this section. The decision of the victim shall be final and not

reversible.

C. Any offender described in subsection B of this section

shall, upon the request of the victim, not attend any school

attended by the victim or a sibling of the victim or ride on a

school bus on which the victim or a sibling of the victim is riding.

The offender shall be permitted by the school district to attend

another school within the district in which the offender resides,

provided the other school is not attended by the victim or sibling

of the victim. If the offender is unable to attend another school

in the district in which the offender resides, the offender shall

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools

transfer to another school district pursuant to the provisions of

the Education Open Transfer Act.

D. The offender or the parents of the offender, if the offender

is a juvenile, shall be responsible for arranging and paying for

transportation and any other cost associated with or required for

the offender to attend another school or that is required as a

consequence of the prohibition against attending a school or riding

on a school bus on which the victim or a sibling of the victim is

attending or riding. However, the offender or the parents of the

offender shall not be charged for existing modes of transportation

that can be used by the offender at no additional cost to the school

district.

Added by Laws 2007, c. 164, § 1, eff. July 1, 2007.

§70-24-100.7. Suicide awareness and drug abuse policies – Immunity

from employment discipline and civil liability – Cause of action

limitations – Duty to notify parents or legal guardians.

A. The board of education of each school district in this state

shall adopt a policy regarding suicide awareness and training,

requiring staff training and the reporting of student drug abuse.

B. The board of education of each school district in this state

shall provide training to all staff members in their first year

employed by the school district, and then no less than once every

fifth academic year, addressing suicide awareness and prevention.

The Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services shall

make available to school districts’ curriculum for staff which

addresses suicide awareness and prevention, without cost to the

school districts. The course outline for the curriculum shall be

made available to the public online through the school district

website. Beginning with the 2021-2022 school year, every school

district shall:

1. Provide a suicide prevention training program which includes

as a core element evidence-based approaches;

2. Provide the curriculum made available by the Department of

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services; or

3. Provide a suicide prevention training program that is

selected by the school district from a list maintained by the

Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to school

district staff that addresses suicide awareness and prevention. The

training program may be combined with any other training provided by

the school district addressing bullying prevention.

C. Beginning with the 2022-2023 school year, the board of

education of each school district may provide training to address

suicide awareness and prevention to students in grades seven through

twelve.

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools

D. Teachers, counselors, principals, administrators and other

school personnel shall be immune from employment discipline and any

civil liability for:

1. Calling the 9-1-1 emergency telephone number, law

enforcement or the Department of Human Services if they believe a

student poses a threat to themselves or others or if a student has

committed or been the victim of a violent act or threat of a violent

act;

2. Providing referral, emergency medical care or other

assistance offered in good faith to a student or other youth; or

3. Communicating information in good faith concerning drug or

alcohol abuse or a potential safety threat by or to any student to

the parents or legal guardians of the student, law enforcement

officers or health care providers.

E. No person shall have a cause of action for any loss or

damage caused by any act or omission resulting from the

implementation of this section or resulting from any training, or

lack thereof, required by this section, unless the loss or damage

was caused by willful or wanton misconduct.

F. The training required pursuant to this section, or the lack

thereof, shall not be construed to impose any specific duty of care.

G. The board of education of each school district may enter

into agreements with designated youth services agencies for the

provision of intervention and prevention services.

H. Teachers, counselors, principals, administrators or other

school personnel, upon determining that a student is at risk of

attempting suicide, shall notify the parents or legal guardians of

the student immediately upon determining that such risk exists.

Added by Laws 2014, c. 333, § 1, emerg. eff. May 28, 2014. Amended

by Laws 2021, c. 168, § 1, eff. July 1, 2021; Laws 2023, c. 15, § 7,

eff. July 1, 2023; Laws 2024, c. 335, § 1, eff. July 1, 2024.

§70-24-100.8. Duty for school officers and employees to notify law

enforcement of verbal threats or threatening behavior – Immunity

from discipline and liability.

A. As used in this section, "threatening behavior" means any

verbal threat or threatening behavior, whether or not it is directed

at another person, which indicates potential for future harm to

students, school personnel or school property.

B. An officer or employee of a school district or member of a

board of education shall notify law enforcement of any verbal threat

or act of threatening behavior which reasonably may have the

potential to endanger students, school personnel or school property.

C. Officers or employees of a school district or members of a

board of education shall be immune from employment discipline and

any civil liability for communicating information pursuant to

subsection B of this section in good faith if they reasonably

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools

believe a person is making verbal threats or is exhibiting

threatening behavior.

D. Nothing in this section shall be construed to impose a

specific liability on any school district.

Added by Laws 2018, c. 323, § 1, eff. July 1, 2018.

§70-24-100.10. Student identification cards - National Suicide

Prevention Lifeline and Crisis Text Line numbers.

A. Beginning July 1, 2023, school districts and charter schools

that serve any students in grades seven through twelve and issue

student identification cards shall have printed on either side of

the student identification cards the telephone number described in

paragraph 1 of this subsection and may have printed on either side

of the student identification cards the telephone number described

in paragraph 2 of this subsection:

1. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which can be

accessed by calling or texting 988; and

2. The Crisis Text Line, which can be accessed by texting HOME

to 741741.

B. It is the intent of the Legislature that beginning July 1,

2023, institutions within The Oklahoma State System of Higher

Education and private institutions of higher education in the state

that issue student identification cards may print on either side of

the student identification cards the telephone numbers described in

paragraphs 1, 2, and 3 of this subsection:

1. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which can be

accessed by calling or texting 988;

2. The Crisis Text Line, which can be accessed by texting HOME

to 741741; and

3. The campus police or security telephone number or, if the

campus does not have a campus police or security telephone number,

the local nonemergency telephone number.

C. If a school district or charter school subject to the

provisions of subsection A of this section or an institution of

higher education subject to the provisions of subsection B of this

section has a supply of unissued student identification cards that

do not comply with subsections A and B of this section, as

applicable, as of July 1, 2023, the school or institution of higher

education may issue the non-compliant student identification cards

until the supply is depleted.

D. Subsections A and B of this section shall apply to a student

identification card issued for the first time to a student and to a

student identification card issued to replace a damaged or lost

student identification card.

Added by Laws 2022, c. 40, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2022.

§70-24-100a.

Healthy and Fit Kids Act of 2004 - Short title.

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools

A. This act shall be known and may be cited as the “Healthy and

Fit Kids Act of 2004”.

B. Beginning September 1, 2004, each public school shall

establish a Healthy and Fit School Advisory Committee, to be

composed of at least six members. The Advisory Committee may be

composed of teachers, administrators, parents of students, health

care professionals and business community representatives.

A public school may combine the Healthy and Fit School Advisory

Committee with its Safe School Committee, established pursuant to

Section 24-100.5 of this title.

C. Each Healthy and Fit School Advisory Committee shall study

and make recommendations to the school principal regarding:

1. Implementation of Sections 1 through 3 of this act;

2. Physical education and physical activity; and

3. Nutrition and health services.

D. The principal shall give consideration to recommendations of

the committee.

E. The State Board of Education shall adopt rules for

monitoring compliance with this section and is authorized to report

a school as deficient on the accreditation report for noncompliance

with the provisions of this section.

Added by Laws 2004, c. 357, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2004. Amended by

Laws 2005, c. 45, § 2, eff. July 1, 2007; Laws 2021, c. 345, § 5,

eff. July 1, 2021.

§70-24-100b. Health and wellness information and assistance for

schools - Assessment and monitoring of programs.

A. In order to assist the Healthy and Fit School Advisory

Committees created pursuant to Section 24-100a of Title 70 of the

Oklahoma Statutes, the State Department of Education in consultation

with the State Department of Health shall make available to schools

information and technical assistance for use in:

1. Establishing healthy school nutrition environments;

2. Reducing childhood obesity;

3. Development of quality physical education and activity

programs;

4. Prevention of diet-related chronic diseases; and

5. Establishing, implementing, and evaluating school wellness

policies.

B. The Healthy and Fit School Advisory Committees are

encouraged to utilize the School Health Index available on the

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website or the Oklahoma

Healthy and Fit Schools Scorecard available on the Governor’s

Council on Physical Fitness and Sports website as a program

assessment and monitoring instrument.

C. The Healthy and Fit School Advisory Committees shall be

involved in the monitoring, implementation, and evaluation of

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools

Section 5-147 of Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes, which limits

access to foods of minimal nutritional value.

Added by Laws 2006, c. 91, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2006.

§70-24-100c. Physical fitness assessment software program - Pilot

schools.

A. The State Department of Education and the State Department

of Health shall facilitate the development of a physical fitness

assessment software program customized for public schools in this

state that has the capability to track the five components of

student health-related physical fitness, including:

1. Aerobic capacity;

2. Muscular strength;

3. Muscular endurance;

4. Flexibility; and

5. A weight status assessment that includes measurement of

height and weight, calculation of body mass index (BMI) for age, and

plotting of these measures on standard growth charts.

The software program shall have the capability of creating a

confidential individual student report for parents that includes an

explanation of the data. In addition, the software program shall be

developed and made accessible to school districts at no cost.

B. The State Department of Health in consultation with the

State Department of Education and the Governor’s Council on Physical

Fitness and Sports shall select at least fifteen elementary schools

statewide to pilot the software program during the 2008-2009 school

year. Pilot schools shall assess all participating students in

grades three, four and five. No school selected to participate in

the pilot program shall be required to utilize the software program.

No student shall be required to participate in the assessment if a

parent or guardian of the student objects in writing. The purpose

of the pilot shall be to:

1. Evaluate methods for administering the physical fitness

assessment to students;

2. Evaluate methods for reporting to parents;

3. Evaluate the software program to ensure that it provides for

the collection of data by school district in an efficient and costeffective manner; and

4. Evaluate the usefulness of the health-related fitness

testing manual.

Added by Laws 2008, c. 342, § 1, eff. July 1, 2008.

§70-24-100d. School Health Coordinators Pilot Program – Time period

for program – Responsibilities of health coordinators – Steering

committee – Annual evaluation - Rules.

A. Contingent on the availability of funding, the State

Department of Education shall contract with a statewide nonprofit

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools

school health program that promotes the health needs of students to

establish a School Health Coordinators Pilot Program. The purpose

of the Pilot Program shall be to assist elementary schools and the

Healthy and Fit School Advisory Committees in elementary schools in

implementing health and wellness programs and providing health and

wellness information to students in the elementary schools. The

State Department of Education shall oversee the Pilot Program. The

Pilot Program contractor shall coordinate the Pilot Program and

provide the required support to schools to allow for participation

in the Pilot Program.

B. The Department shall conduct the Pilot Program for a period

of not less than five (5) years. The Pilot Program contractor shall

employ and provide for the salary and benefits of school health

coordinators, along with training and school support needed to

implement the Pilot Program. The number of school health

coordinators employed in years one and two of the Pilot Program

shall be contingent upon funding and other factors as determined by

the Department in conjunction with the Pilot Program contractor. By

year three of the Pilot Program, not less than six school health

coordinators shall be employed by the Pilot Program contractor with

one school health coordinator assigned to each quadrant of the

state, one assigned to the Tulsa metropolitan area, and one assigned

to the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. A Pilot Program

coordinator, Pilot Program contractor monitor, and additional school

health coordinators may be employed if funds are available. A

person employed as a school health coordinator shall at a minimum

have a baccalaureate degree in health, community health, education,

physical education, or nursing.

C. The school health coordinators shall be responsible for:

1. Facilitating the activities of and providing assistance and

expertise to the Healthy and Fit School Advisory Committees in

elementary schools;

2. Providing professional development opportunities for

teachers;

3. Providing curriculum, materials, and resources to elementary

schools for school health programs, which may include health

education, physical education, health services, nutrition services,

school climate, physical environment, health promotion and wellness,

and youth, family, and community involvement;

4. Assisting elementary schools in completing the School Health

Index;

5. Interacting with parent organizations in public schools in

order to educate parents about health and wellness issues; and

6. Conducting a public health media campaign for students and

their families.

D. The Department and the Pilot Program contractor shall form a

steering committee with representatives from the State Department of

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools

Health and other entities interested in school health to help

provide expertise, oversight and guidance for the Pilot Program.

E. The Pilot Program contractor in partnership with an

evaluation entity shall conduct an annual evaluation of the

effectiveness and impact of the Pilot Program. A copy of the

evaluation shall be submitted to the Governor, the Speaker of the

House of Representatives, and the President Pro Tempore of the

Senate.

F. The State Board of Education shall promulgate rules

necessary to implement the provisions of this section.

Added by Laws 2008, c. 419, § 1, eff. July 1, 2008.

NOTE: Editorially renumbered from § 24-100c of this title to avoid

duplication in numbering.

§70-24-101.

Repealed by Laws 1997, c. 350, § 8, eff. July 1, 1997.

§70-24-101.1. Wireless telecommunication devices - Rules

prohibiting.

The board of education of each school district shall establish

and implement rules regarding student possession of a wireless

telecommunication device while said student is on school premises,

or while in transit under the authority of the school, or while

attending any function sponsored or authorized by the school. The

rules shall provide that a student may possess a wireless

telecommunication device upon the prior consent of both a parent or

guardian and school principal or superintendent and shall also

specify the disciplinary action a student shall face if found to be

in possession of a wireless telecommunication device in violation of

the rules.

Added by Laws 1989, c. 105, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1989. Amended by Laws

1997, c. 350, § 2, eff. July 1, 1997; Laws 2001, c. 206, § 1, eff.

July 1, 2001.

§70-24-101.2.

1997.

Repealed by Laws 1997, c. 350, § 8, eff. July 1,

§70-24-101.3. Out-of-school suspensions.

A. Any student who is guilty of an act described in paragraph 1

of subsection C of this section may be suspended out-of-school in

accordance with the provisions of this section. Each school

district board of education shall adopt a policy with procedures

which provides for out-of-school suspension of students. The policy

shall address the term of the out-of-school suspension, provide an

appeals process as described in subsection B of this section, and

provide that before a student is suspended out-of-school, the school

or district administration shall consider and apply, if appropriate,

alternative in-school placement options that are not to be

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools

considered suspension, such as placement in an alternative school

setting, reassignment to another classroom, or in-school detention.

The policy shall address education for students subject to the

provisions of subsection D of this section and whether participation

in extracurricular activities shall be permitted.

B. 1. Students suspended out-of-school for ten (10) or fewer

days shall have the right to appeal the decision of the

administration as provided in the policy required in subsection A of

this section. The policy shall specify whether appeals for shortterm suspensions as provided in this subsection shall be to a local

committee composed of district administrators or teachers or both,

or to the district board of education. Upon full investigation of

the matter, the committee or board shall determine the guilt or

innocence of the student and the reasonableness of the term of the

out-of-school suspension. If the policy requires appeals for shortterm suspensions to a committee, the policy adopted by the board

may, but is not required to, provide for appeal of the committee's

decision to the board.

2. Students suspended out-of-school for more than ten (10) days

and students suspended pursuant to the provisions of paragraph 2 of

subsection C of this section may request a review of the suspension

with the administration of the district. If the administration does

not withdraw the suspension, the student shall have the right to

appeal the decision of the administration to the district board of

education. Except as otherwise provided for in paragraph 2 of

subsection C of this section, no out-of-school suspension shall

extend beyond the current semester and the succeeding semester.

Upon full investigation of the matter, the board shall determine the

guilt or innocence of the student and the reasonableness of the term

of the out-of-school suspension. A board of education may conduct

the hearing and render the final decision or may appoint a hearing

officer to conduct the hearing and render the final decision. The

decision of the district board of education or the hearing officer,

if applicable, shall be final.

C. 1. Students who are guilty of any of the following acts may

be suspended out-of-school by the administration of the school or

district:

a.

violation of a school regulation,

b.

possession of an intoxicating beverage, low-point

beer, as defined by Section 163.2 of Title 37 of the

Oklahoma Statutes, or missing or stolen property if

the property is reasonably suspected to have been

taken from a student, a school employee, or the school

during school activities, and

c.

possession of a dangerous weapon or a controlled

dangerous substance while on or within two thousand

(2,000) feet of public school property, or at a school

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools

event, as defined in the Uniform Controlled Dangerous

Substances Act. Possession of a firearm shall result

in out-of-school suspension as provided in paragraph 2

of this subsection.

2. Any student found in possession of a firearm while on any

public school property or while in any school bus or other vehicle

used by a public school for transportation of students or teachers

shall be suspended out-of-school for a period of not less than one

(1) year, to be determined by the district board of education

pursuant to the provisions of this section. The term of the

suspension may be modified by the district superintendent on a caseby-case basis. For purposes of this paragraph the term "firearm"

shall mean and include all weapons as defined by 18 U.S.C., Section

921.

3. Any student in grades six through twelve found to have

assaulted, attempted to cause physical bodily injury, or acted in a

manner that could reasonably cause bodily injury to a school

employee or a person volunteering for a school as prohibited

pursuant to Section 6-146 of this title shall be suspended for the

remainder of the current semester and the next consecutive semester,

to be determined by the board of education pursuant to the

provisions of this section. The term of the suspension may be

modified by the district superintendent on a case-by-case basis.

D. At its discretion a school district may provide an education

plan for students suspended out-of-school for five (5) or fewer days

pursuant to the provisions of this subsection. The following

provisions shall apply to students who are suspended out-of-school

for more than five (5) days and who are guilty of acts listed in

subparagraphs a and b of paragraph 1 of subsection C of this

section. Upon the out-of-school suspension, the parent or guardian

of a student suspended out-of-school pursuant to the provisions of

this subsection shall be responsible for the provision of a

supervised, structured environment in which the parent or guardian

shall place the student and bear responsibility for monitoring the

student's educational progress until the student is readmitted into

school. The school administration shall provide the student with an

education plan designed for the eventual reintegration of the

student into school which provides only for the core units in which

the student is enrolled. A copy of the education plan shall also be

provided to the student's parent or guardian. For the purposes of

this section, the core units shall consist of the minimum English,

mathematics, science, social studies and art units required by the

State Board of Education for grade completion in grades kindergarten

through eight and for high school graduation in grades nine through

twelve. The plan shall set out the procedure for education and

shall address academic credit for work satisfactorily completed.

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools

E. A student who has been suspended out-of-school from a public

or private school in the State of Oklahoma or another state for a

violent act or an act showing deliberate or reckless disregard for

the health or safety of faculty or other students shall not be

entitled to enroll in a public school of this state, and no public

school shall be required to enroll the student, until the terms of

the suspension have been met or the time of suspension has expired.

F. 1. No public school of this state shall be required to

provide education services in the regular school setting to any

student who has been:

a.

adjudicated as a delinquent for an offense defined as

a violent crime in Section 571 of Title 57 of the

Oklahoma Statutes,

b.

convicted as an adult of an offense defined as a

violent crime in Section 571 of Title 57 of the

Oklahoma Statutes,

c.

who has been removed from a public or private school

in the State of Oklahoma or another state by

administrative or judicial process for a violent act

or an act showing deliberate or reckless disregard for

the health or safety of faculty or other students,

d.

suspended as provided for in paragraph 3 of subsection

C of this section, or

e.

has been removed from a public or private school in

the state or another state by administrative or

judicial process for an act of using electronic

communication, as defined in Section 24-100.3 of this

title, with intent to terrify, intimidate or harass,

or threaten to inflict injury or physical harm to

faculty or other students.

2. The school in which a student as described in paragraph 1 of

this subsection is subsequently enrolled may elect to not provide

education services in the regular school setting until the school

determines that the student no longer poses a threat to self, other

students or school district faculty or employees. Until the school

in which such student subsequently enrolls or re-enrolls determines

that the student no longer poses a threat to self, other students or

school district faculty or employees, the school may provide

education services through an alternative school setting, home-based

instruction, or other appropriate setting. If the school provides

education services to the student at a district school facility, the

school shall notify any student or school district faculty or

employee victims of the student, when known, and shall ensure that

the student will not be allowed in the general vicinity of or

contact with a victim of the student, provided the victim notifies

the school of the victim's desire to refrain from contact with the

offending student.

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools

G. Students suspended out-of-school who are on an

individualized education plan pursuant to the Individuals with

Disabilities Education Act, P.L. No. 101-476, or who are subject to

the provisions of subsection F of this section and who are on an

individualized education plan shall be provided the education and

related services in accordance with the student's individualized

education plan.

H. A student who has been suspended for a violent offense which

is directed towards a classroom teacher shall not be allowed to

return to that teacher's classroom without the approval of that

teacher.

I. At its discretion, a school district may require a student

guilty of acts listed in subparagraph a or b of paragraph 1 of

subsection C of this section to complete intervention and prevention

programs as provided by designated Youth Service Agencies, if

available.

J. No school board, administrator or teacher may be held

civilly liable for any action taken in good faith which is

authorized by this section.

Added by Laws 1997, c. 350, § 1, eff. July 1, 1997. Amended by Laws

1998, c. 154, § 1, emerg. eff. April 28, 1998; Laws 1999, c. 112, §

1, eff. July 1, 1999; Laws 2001, c. 206, § 2, eff. July 1, 2001;

Laws 2003, c. 182, § 1, emerg. eff. May 6, 2003; Laws 2006, c. 210,

§ 2, eff. July 1, 2006; Laws 2009, c. 228, § 84, eff. Nov. 1, 2009;

Laws 2013, c. 404, § 26, eff. Nov. 1, 2013; Laws 2015, c. 397, § 6,

eff. Nov. 1, 2015; Laws 2016, c. 90, § 1, eff. July 1, 2016.

NOTE: Laws 2009, c. 98, § 11 repealed by Laws 2010, c. 2, § 87,

emerg. eff. March 3, 2010.

§70-24-101.4. Disclosure of disciplinary and nondirectory

educational records.

A. A school district in which a student is enrolled or is in

the process of enrolling in may request the student’s education

records from any school district in which the student was formerly

enrolled to ascertain safety issues with incoming students and

ensure full disclosure. A district that receives a request for the

education records of a student who formerly was enrolled in the

district shall forward the records within three (3) business days of

receipt of the request. The records shall include the student’s

disciplinary records. Disciplinary records shall include but not be

limited to all information that relates to a student assaulting,

carrying weapons, possessing illegal drugs, including alcohol, and

any incident that poses a potential dangerous threat to students or

school personnel. The forwarding and disclosure of disciplinary

records or other education records to a school district in which a

student seeks or intends to enroll shall be in accordance with the

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools

annual notification requirements and provisions of the Family

Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA).

B. Each school district shall be required to release

nondirectory educational records to the agencies listed in Section

620.3 of Title 10 of the Oklahoma Statutes. The release of any

records shall be in accordance with the provisions of FERPA. The

term "nondirectory educational records" shall be those records

maintained by the school regarding a child who is or has been a

student at the school which are categorized as private or

confidential records pursuant to FERPA.

C. The State Board of Education shall promulgate rules for

monitoring school districts for compliance with this section and

providing sanctions for noncompliance with this section. The Board

shall inform school districts of their statutory responsibilities

for compliance with FERPA. Enforcement and sanctions shall be as

provided by the federal requirements under FERPA.

Added by Laws 1997, c. 350, § 4, eff. July 1, 1997. Amended by Laws

1999, c. 102, § 1, eff. July 1, 1999; Laws 2000, c. 186, § 1, eff.

July 1, 2000.

§70-24-102. Pupils - Searches.

A. The superintendent, principal, teacher, or security

personnel of any public school in the State of Oklahoma, upon

reasonable suspicion, shall have the authority to detain and search

or authorize the search, of any pupil or property in the possession

of the pupil when the pupil is on any school premises, or while in

transit under the authority of the school, or while attending any

function sponsored or authorized by the school, for dangerous

weapons, controlled dangerous substances, as defined in the Uniform

Controlled Dangerous Substances Act, alcoholic beverages, as defined

in the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, or for missing or

stolen property if the property is reasonably suspected to have been

taken from a pupil, a school employee or the school during school

activities. The search shall be conducted by a person of the same

sex as the person being searched and shall be witnessed by at least

one other authorized person, said person to be of the same sex if

practicable.

B. The extent of any search conducted pursuant to this section

shall be reasonably related to the objective of the search and not

excessively intrusive in light of the age and sex of the student and

the nature of the infraction. In no event shall a strip search of a

student be allowed. No student's clothing, except cold weather

outerwear, shoes, and hand and head coverings, except religious head

coverings, shall be removed prior to or during the conduct of any

warrantless search.

C. The superintendent, principal, teacher, or security

personnel searching or authorizing the search shall have authority

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools

to detain the pupil to be searched and to preserve any dangerous

weapons, controlled dangerous substances, alcoholic beverages, or

missing or stolen property that might be in the pupil's possession

including the authority to authorize any other persons they deem

necessary to restrain such pupil or to preserve any dangerous

weapons, controlled dangerous substances, alcoholic beverages, or

missing or stolen property. Students found to be in possession of

such an item shall be subject to the provisions of Section 24-101.3

of this title.

D. Pupils shall not have any reasonable expectation of privacy

towards school administrators or teachers in the contents of a

school locker, desk, or other school property. School personnel

shall have access to school lockers, desks, and other school

property in order to properly supervise the welfare of pupils.

School lockers, desks, and other areas of school facilities may be

opened and examined by school officials at any time and no reason

shall be necessary for such search. Schools shall inform pupils in

the student discipline code that they have no reasonable expectation

of privacy rights towards school officials in school lockers, desks,

or other school property.

E. The superintendent may designate school personnel to

transport items preserved as provided for in subsection C of this

section from a school site to a centralized location within the

school district or to local law enforcement offices for lawful

disposal. While in transport, the designated school personnel shall

carry their school identification and a letter from the

superintendent confirming their authority to transport the items for

disposal. All items transported for disposal pursuant to this

subsection shall be transported in a locked container.

Added by Laws 1971, c. 281, § 24-102, eff. July 2, 1971. Amended by

Laws 1973, c. 118, § 2, emerg. eff. May 4, 1973; Laws 1987, c. 115,

§ 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1987; Laws 1989, c. 105, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 1989;

Laws 1995, c. 274, § 53, eff. Nov. 1, 1995; Laws 1997, c. 350, § 3,

eff. July 1, 1997; Laws 2001, c. 206, § 3, eff. July 1, 2001; Laws

2023, c. 242, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2023.

§70-24-103. Bribes in connection with school bonds and school

supplies.

It is hereby declared to be unlawful for any officer or employee

of the State Board of Education, member of a board of education or

employee thereof, to solicit, take, retain, or receive any money,

property or thing of value in the nature of commissions or otherwise

for the purchase or sale of school bonds, or for the purchase of any

furniture or supplies, and the soliciting, taking, retaining or

receiving of any such money or other thing of value is hereby

declared to be a misdemeanor.

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools

Laws 1971, c. 281, § 24-103, eff. July 2, 1971; Laws 1993, c. 239, §

48, eff. July 1, 1993.

§70-24-104. Payment or tender of money or property - Unlawful when.

It is hereby declared to be unlawful and a misdemeanor for any

person, corporation or individual to offer, tender to pay or deliver

to any such officer or employee of the State Board of Education,

member of a board of education or employee thereof, any such

property, money or other thing of value in any way connected with

the issuing of school bonds or the purchase of furniture or

supplies, whether the same be denominated commission or otherwise.

Laws 1971, c. 281, § 24-104, eff. July 2, 1971; Laws 1993, c. 239, §

49, eff. July 1, 1993.

§70-24-104.1. Soliciting, taking, retaining or receiving mental

health referral fee.

It shall be unlawful for any school counselor, teacher, any

other school employee, school board member, or Department of Human

Services employee to solicit, take, retain, or receive any money,

property, or thing of value in the nature of a fee or otherwise from

a mental health care provider or facility or any employee thereof

for directing or referring students to that provider or facility for

treatment. Any person convicted of violating the provisions of this

section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

Added by Laws 1992, c. 41, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1992.

§70-24-104.2. Offering, tendering to pay or delivering mental

health referral fee.

It shall be unlawful for any mental health care provider or

facility or any employee thereof to offer, tender to pay or deliver

to any school counselor, teacher, any other school employee, school

board member, or Department of Human Services employee any money,

property, or thing of value in the nature of a fee or otherwise for

directing or referring a student to that provider or facility for

treatment. Any person convicted of violating the provisions of this

section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

Added by Laws 1992, c. 41, § 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1992.

§70-24-105. Student clubs and organizations – Regulation Notifications.

A. The board of education of each school district shall have

full power and authority to regulate, control or prohibit any

fraternity, sorority, secret society, club or group composed in

whole or in part of students enrolled in the school district if it

deems it advisable and in the best interest of the school program to

do so.

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools

B. Each board of education shall adopt policies and procedures

to annually notify parents or guardians of students about clubs and

organizations sponsored by or under the direction and control of the

school. The annual notification about clubs and organizations shall

be by means of the student handbook and by posting on the Internet

website for the school district or if the school district does not

have an Internet website by another appropriate method. The annual

notification shall include, but is not limited to, the following

information about each club or organization:

1. Name;

2. Mission or purpose; and

3. Name of the faculty advisor, if known.

C. If clubs or organizations are created or formed after the

annual notification is distributed, the school district shall send

additional notification to the parents or guardians containing

information about the additional clubs or organizations consistent

with the requirements set forth in subsection B of this section.

D. The policy adopted by each board of education shall provide

parents or guardians of students with an opportunity to notify

school administration that the parent or guardian is withholding

permission for a student to join or participate in one or more clubs

or organizations. The policy shall only apply to participation in

clubs and organizations that are extracurricular and shall not apply

to participation in clubs and organizations that are necessary for a

required class of instruction. Parents or guardians shall be

responsible for preventing their student from participating in a

club or organization in which permission is withheld. Parents or

guardians shall also be responsible for retrieving their student

from attendance at a club or organization in which permission is

withheld. Nothing in this subsection shall prevent a club or

organization from meeting when a student who is not authorized to be

in the club or organization is present at such meeting.

E. For purposes of this section:

1. “Clubs and organizations” means a club or organization

comprised of students that is organized and meets for common goals,

objectives, or purposes, and that is directly under the sponsorship,

direction, and control of the school; and

2. “Competitive interscholastic activity or event” means

activities held under the auspices or sponsorship of a school

district that involves students enrolled in that school district

competing against individuals or groups of students representing

other school districts.

Added by Laws 1971, c. 281, § 24-105, eff. July 2, 1971. Amended by

Laws 2009, c. 118, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2009.

§70-24-106. United States flag – Display - Instruction in history

and etiquette - Pledge of allegiance.

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools

A. The board of education of every school district in this

state shall be required to own and display, either inside or outside

each classroom building in the district, a United States Flag.

B. Instruction in the history and etiquette relating to the

United States Flag shall be given in one or more grades in the

schools in every school district in this state.

C. Students in all public schools are authorized to recite, at

the beginning of each school day, the pledge of allegiance to the

flag of the United States of America as enumerated at 36 U.S.C.,

Section 172; however, they shall recite the pledge of allegiance to

the flag of the United States of America once every school week.

Each student shall be informed by posting a notice in a conspicuous

place that students not wishing to participate in the pledge shall

not be required to do so.

Added by Laws 1971, c. 281, § 24-106, eff. July 2, 1971. Amended by

Laws 2001, c. 250, § 2, eff. July 1, 2001; Laws 2014, c. 225, § 1,

eff. July 1, 2014.

§70-24-106.1. Classroom display – Motto of the United States of

America – Classroom use of founding documents.

A. Principals and teachers in each public school in this state

may display in each classroom, school auditorium, and school

cafeteria under their supervision the following motto of the United

States of America: “E PLURIBUS UNUM (Out of Many One)” and "IN GOD

WE TRUST". For purposes of this subsection, "classroom" means any

room of a public school where instruction takes place.

B. Each school district in the state shall permit a principal

or teacher to utilize in a public school building, classroom, or at

any public school event any grade-level-appropriate excerpts or

portions of the documents, writings, speeches, proclamations, or

records relating to the history, heritage, or foundation of the

United States or the State of Oklahoma including, but not limited

to, the:

1. Mayflower Compact;

2. Declaration of Independence;

3. Constitutions of the United States and the State of

Oklahoma;

4. Federalist Papers;

5. Pledge of Allegiance;

6. National anthem;

7. Presidential records and speeches;

8. Acts and published records of Congress; and

9. United States Supreme Court decisions and records.

C. School districts shall not limit or restrain instruction in

American or Oklahoma state history or heritage based on religious

references in documents, writings, speeches, proclamations, or the

materials described in subsection B of this section. These and any

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools

other materials shall be used for educational purposes only and not

to establish or promote any religion.

Added by Laws 2004, c. 197, § 4, eff. July 1, 2004. Amended by Laws

2009, c. 100, § 1, eff. July 1, 2009.

§70-24-107. Arbor Day.

The Friday following the second Monday in February of each year

shall be known throughout Oklahoma as Arbor Day.

Added by Laws 1971, c. 281, § 24-107, eff. July 2, 1971.

§70-24-108.

Repealed by Laws 2004, c. 361, § 34, eff. July 1, 2004.

§70-24-109. Oklahoma Statehood Day - November 16.

The date of November 16 of each year is hereby designated

"Oklahoma Statehood Day" in and for the public schools of this

state. Any year in which the date of November 16 is a Saturday or

Sunday the public schools of this state shall observe the next

succeeding school day as "Oklahoma Statehood Day," as provided

herein.

Added by Laws 1971, c. 281, § 24-109, eff. July 2, 1971.

§70-24-110. Oklahoma Statehood Day - Program for.

The several school boards of this state and the superintendents,

principals, and other school officials may on "Oklahoma Statehood

Day" plan and conduct programs commemorating Oklahoma history and

the achievements of Oklahoma from an historical viewpoint and may in

other appropriate manner conduct a program or programs for the

purpose of teaching and inspiring the school children of our state

in the appreciation of the rich Oklahoma heritage and the

achievements of the sons and daughters of Oklahoma in peace and war.

Amended by Laws 1982, c. 326, § 4.

§70-24-111.

Repealed by Laws 2007, c. 83, § 2, eff. July 1, 2007.

§70-24-112.

Repealed by Laws 2007, c. 83, § 2, eff. July 1, 2007.

§70-24-113. Rules and regulations to be adopted by State Board of

Education.

The State Board of Education is authorized and directed to adopt

such rules and regulations as may be necessary for carrying out the

intent and purpose of Sections 24-110 and 24-112 hereof.

Added by Laws 1971, c. 281, § 24-113, eff. July 2, 1971.

§70-24-114. Student records and transcripts – Storage and disposal.

A. The board of education of each school district in Oklahoma

shall compile and maintain both temporary and permanent records of

students enrolled in the district and regulate access, disclosure or

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools

communication of information contained in the student records in a

manner consistent with state and federal law.

B. School districts may store all documents and information in

student records either electronically or in paper format, and either

in a single- or multiple-file format. Records shall be stored,

backed up and secured in accordance with standards and protocol

developed by the State Board of Education.

C. The transcript of a student shall be maintained by the

school district for not less than eighty (80) years following the

graduation, transfer or withdrawal from the district of the student.

For purposes of this subsection, "transcript" means the permanent

academic record of a student and shall include the name, address,

telephone listing and date and place of birth of the student, an

inventory of courses taken, all grades received, grade-point

averages and/or class rank, and may include all academic and

extracurricular honors and awards received, all degrees conferred

and extracurricular or after-school activities.

D. Except for the transcript records as defined in subsection C

of this section, school districts shall dispose of information in a

student record at a time selected by the district that is between

five (5) years and seven (7) years after the student has graduated,

transferred or withdrawn from the district. The State Board of

Education shall promulgate rules regarding notification to parents

or guardians of a student or the student if he or she is eighteen

(18) years of age or older of destruction of the records.

Added by Laws 1971, c. 281, § 24-114, eff. July 2, 1971. Amended by

Laws 1993, c. 239, § 50, eff. July 1, 1993; Laws 2016, c. 314, § 1,

eff. July 1, 2016; Laws 2017, c. 56, § 1, eff. July 1, 2017.

§70-24-114.1. Retention of child in present grade level - Appeal.

Whenever a teacher or teachers recommend that a student be

retained at the present grade level or not passed in a course, the

parent or guardian, if dissatisfied with the recommendation, may

appeal the decision by complying with the district's appeal process.

The decision of the board of education shall be final. The parent

may prepare a written statement to be placed in and become a part of

the permanent record of the student stating the reason(s) for

disagreeing with the decision of the board.

Added by Laws 1989, 1st Ex. Sess., c. 2, § 66, emerg. eff. April 25,

1990. Amended by Laws 1995, c. 109, § 1, eff. July 1, 1995.

§70-24-115. Storm and fallout shelters.

In addition to other authority and powers now or hereafter

conferred upon boards of education, the board of education of each

school district is hereby authorized and empowered to construct,

equip, and maintain storm and fallout shelters independently or

jointly with other departments, offices, agencies, and all other

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools

entities of federal, state, and local governments. For the purposes

of this article, said boards of education are hereby authorized and

empowered:

1. To expend funds;

2. To accept federal, state, and local governmental and private

funds as may be available;

3. To negotiate and enter into agreements, contractual and

otherwise, with such departments, offices, agencies, and other

entities of federal, state, and local governments and with private

corporations, companies, and individuals;

4. To authorize the construction of said storm and fallout

shelters on school properties; and

5. To adopt such rules and regulations governing the use of

such facilities as may be deemed necessary and proper, not

inconsistent with laws of this state or rules and regulations of the

State Board of Education.

Added by Laws 1971, c. 281, § 24-115, eff. July 2, 1971.

§70-24-116. High school diplomas - Issued on 30 hours college work.

Any person who has been admitted to any accredited college or

university may be awarded a high school diploma by the State

Department of Education within this state, provided that such person

has successfully completed at least thirty (30) hours of college

work at an accredited college or university.

Added by Laws 1971, c. 281, § 24-116, eff. July 2, 1971.

§70-24-117. Safety goggles - School board to provide for certain

personnel.

The school board of each school district in Oklahoma shall

provide safety goggles as approved by the National Safety Council

for all personnel using materials and machines that may damage the

vision of such personnel because of flying particles, intense light,

severe heat or other harmful effects.

Added by Laws 1971, c. 281, § 24-117, eff. July 2, 1971.

§70-24-118. Respirators - School board to provide for certain

teachers and students.

The school board of each school district in Oklahoma shall

provide respirators where needed in the opinion of the State Health

Department as approved by the National Safety Council in sufficient

numbers to protect teachers and students in industrial arts,

vocational training, technical training and chemistry classes using

or handling toxic materials or other substances which may cause

damage to the respiratory system and shall further direct that such

respirators be maintained in satisfactory working condition and are

located within easy access wherever such materials or substances are

used or stored.

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools

Added by Laws 1971, c. 281, § 24-118, eff. July 2, 1971.

§70-24-119. Ethnic and racial history coverage.

The State Board of Education shall adopt necessary rules and

regulations providing coverage of the outstanding historical events

which recognize the contributions made by African Americans,

Hispanic Americans, Native Americans and other ethnic groups to

Oklahoma's rich cultural history and heritage.

Amended by Laws 1982, c. 326, § 6; Laws 1991, c. 233, § 2, eff. July

1, 1991.

§70-24-120. Truancy - Reports to Department of Human Services Withholding of assistance payments.

A. At the close of each attendance period of the school term,

the board of education of each school district shall notify in

writing the Department of Human Services of the name of any child

who has not been present for instruction at least eighty percent

(80%) of the time without valid excuse as defined in Section 10-105

of this title.

B. Upon the receipt of such information from the school

district, the Director of the Department of Human Services is

authorized to withhold assistance payments to the payee of such

child and to instigate an investigation for the purpose of improving

the school attendance of such child. After such investigation, if

the attendance record of the child investigated is satisfactory,

such withheld payments may be released. In the event the

investigation results in a change in custody and care of such child,

payments to the payee shall be canceled or shall be made to the

person qualified to receive benefits on behalf of the child.

C. For purposes of the pilot project, the Department of Human

Services and the State Board of Education shall establish a

procedure to provide for the exchange of information required by

this section concerning students subject to the provisions of this

section. Any procedure thus established shall, if applicable,

comply with the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and

Privacy Act, 20 U.S.C. Section 1232g et seq., and any other

applicable federal law.

D. The district attorney shall file with the Department of

Human Services a report identifying any child who has been convicted

of truancy within thirty (30) days of such conviction.

E. Beginning with the 2019-2020 school year, district attorneys

shall submit to the Office of Child Abuse Prevention annual reports

detailing the instances in which students were convicted of truancy

pursuant to the provisions of this section. The reports shall

comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974

(FERPA).

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools

Added by Laws 1971, c. 281, § 24-120, eff. July 2, 1971. Amended by

Laws 1992, c. 291, § 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1992; Laws 1995, c. 346, § 12,

eff. July 1, 1995; Laws 2019, c. 377, § 2, eff. July 1, 2019.

§70-24-120.1. Reports on chronic absenteeism and exchange of data.

A. Beginning with the 2019-2020 school year, the State

Department of Education shall submit to the Office of Child Abuse

Prevention the student and school data on chronic absenteeism.

B. The State Department of Education in collaboration with the

Office of Child Abuse Prevention shall establish a procedure for the

exchange of information to comply with the Family Educational Rights

and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA).

C. The Office of Child Abuse Prevention or staff within the

State Department of Health shall review the reports provided

pursuant to this section and, when appropriate and if resources are

available, provide an assessment of the family to determine if

services should be offered or a referral for services should be

made.

D. The State Board of Education shall supply Child Welfare

Services of the Department of Human Services with access to

identifying information and updated and accurate school attendance

reports of individuals with documented developmental disabilities.

The State Board of Education and Child Welfare Services shall

establish a procedure for the exchange of information required by

this subsection.

Added by Laws 2019, c. 377, § 3, eff. July 1, 2019.

§70-24-121. Safety belts for school bus drivers.

No vehicle shall be used by any school district within this

state for the transportation of school children unless such vehicle

be equipped with a safety belt or safety harness for the use of the

driver of such vehicle. Such seat belt and safety harness shall

conform to such standards as may be prescribed by 49 C.F.R., Part

571, and the Board shall furnish a copy of such standards to the

board of education of each school district. The driver of every

vehicle used by a school district for the transportation of school

children shall make use of such seat belts while in operation of the

vehicle, and failure to do so shall be deemed to constitute a

misdemeanor, and upon conviction therefor such driver shall be

punished by a fine of not less than Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00) nor

more than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00).

Added by Laws 1971, c. 281, § 24-121, eff. July 2, 1971. Amended by

Laws 2002, c. 397, § 33, eff. Nov. 1, 2002.

§70-24-122.

10, 1980.

Repealed by Laws 1980, c. 68, § 1, emerg. eff. April

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools

§70-24-123.

10, 1980.

Repealed by Laws 1980, c. 68, § 1, emerg. eff. April

§70-24-124.

10, 1980.

Repealed by Laws 1980, c. 68, § 1, emerg. eff. April

§70-24-125. Effect of headings.

Article and section headings contained in this act shall not be

deemed to govern, limit, modify, or in any manner affect the scope,

meaning or intent of the provisions of any article or section

hereof.

Added by Laws 1971, c. 281, § 24-125, eff. July 2, 1971.

§70-24-126.

1989.

Repealed by Laws 1989, c. 154, § 2, operative July 1,

§70-24-127.

10, 1980.

Repealed by Laws 1980, c. 68, § 1, emerg. eff. April

§70-24-128.

10, 1980.

Repealed by Laws 1980, c. 68, § 1, emerg. eff. April

§70-24-129.

10, 1980.

Repealed by Laws 1980, c. 68, § 1, emerg. eff. April

§70-24-130. Jim Thorpe Day.

The date of April 16 of each year is hereby designated "Jim

Thorpe Day" in and for the public schools of this state. In any

year in which April 16 is a Saturday, Sunday or school holiday, the

public schools of this state shall observe the next succeeding

school day as "Jim Thorpe Day." The several boards of education of

this state and the superintendents, principals and teachers in the

public school system may on "Jim Thorpe Day" conduct suitable

programs commemorating the accomplishments of Jim Thorpe, the

world's greatest athlete and a native Oklahoman, for the purpose of

inspiring the school children of this state to greater personal

achievements in physical fitness.

Added by Laws 1972, c. 65, § 1, emerg. eff. March 28, 1972.

§70-24-131. Orders to leave school buildings and grounds.

The superintendent or principal of any secondary, middle or

elementary school shall have the authority to order any person out

of the school buildings and off the school property when it appears

that the presence of such person is a threat to the peaceful conduct

of school business and school classes. This authority shall extend

to the removal of any individual attending an official school

activity or field trip where students are present, including an

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools

activity or field trip not on school property, when the

superintendent or principal determines that a threat to the peaceful

conduct of students exists. Any person who refuses to leave after

being ordered to do so by the superintendent or principal shall be

guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be

punished by a fine of not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00)

or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than ninety (90)

days, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

Added by Laws 1973, c. 145, § 1, emerg. eff. May 14, 1973. Amended

by Laws 2012, c. 143, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2012.

§70-24-131.1. Definitions.

As used in Section 2 of this act:

1. "Chief administrative officer" shall mean the principal,

superintendent, or other person in charge of the management,

administration, or control of any secondary school;

2. "Period of a sanctioned athletic event" shall mean the time

during which a sanctioned athletic event occurs and a period of two

(2) hours immediately before and after the event;

3. "Premises of the secondary school" shall mean:

a.

the real property on which a secondary school is

located, including, but not limited to, school

buildings, playing fields, gymnasiums, auditoriums,

and parking lots owned or leased for use by the

secondary school, and

b.

the real property on which a recreational facility

acquired, constructed or leased by an independent

school district or a secondary school is located,

including buildings, playing fields, and parking lots;

4. "Sanctioned athletic event" shall mean an athletic contest

or sporting event sanctioned by the Oklahoma Secondary School

Activities Association; and

5. "Secondary school" shall mean a public or private school

subject to the school laws of Oklahoma engaged in the education of

students for any of grades seven through twelve.

Added by Laws 1995, c. 129, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1995.

§70-24-131.2. Orders to leave athletic events.

A. The chief administrative officer or the chief administrative

officer's designee to maintain order at a secondary school shall

have the authority and power to direct any person to leave the

premises of that secondary school, who, during the period of a

sanctioned athletic event, after having been personally and

specifically warned by the officer or the designee to refrain from

such conduct, commits an act which materially and substantially

interferes with the peaceful conduct of a sanctioned athletic event,

including:

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools

1. Projecting in any manner an object which could cause bodily

harm to another person;

2. Entering the physical boundaries designated for the conduct

of a sanctioned athletic event for the purpose of materially and

substantially disrupting or interfering with the event;

3. Threatening to kill or do bodily harm to any person with

apparent ability to carry out that threat during the period of a

sanctioned athletic event; or

4. Using violent, obscene, indecent, or profane language in a

manner which materially and substantially interferes with the

peaceful conduct of a sanctioned athletic event.

B. Any person who fails to leave the premises of the secondary

school as directed, may, upon application by the secondary school,

be enjoined from entering upon or remaining upon the premises during

the period of a sanctioned athletic event for the remainder of the

school year or for so long as the court may provide. The procedure

governing the application for injunction shall be the procedure for

civil injunctions set forth in Title 12 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

C. Any person who knowingly and willfully fails to obey a

direction to leave the premises of the secondary school shall be

guilty of a misdemeanor.

D. This section shall not apply to competitors in a sanctioned

athletic event, their coaches, or officials, accredited by the

Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association, who are

participating in the event.

Added by Laws 1995, c. 129, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 1995.

§70-24-132. Reporting of students under influence of certain

prohibited substances - Civil immunity - Delivery of found

substances to proper authority.

A. Any public school administrator, teacher or counselor having

reasonable cause to suspect that a student is under the influence of

low-point beer as defined in Section 163.2 of Title 37 of the

Oklahoma Statutes, alcoholic beverages as defined in Section 506 of

Title 37 of the Oklahoma Statutes or a controlled dangerous

substance as defined in Section 2-101 of Title 63 of the Oklahoma

Statutes or has in the student's possession low-point beer,

alcoholic beverages or a controlled dangerous substance, who reports

such information to the appropriate school official, court

personnel, community substance abuse prevention and treatment

personnel or any law enforcement agency, pursuant to the school's

policy shall have immunity from any civil liability that might

otherwise be incurred or imposed as a result of the making of such a

report.

B. Every school authority shall immediately deliver any

controlled dangerous substance, removed or otherwise seized from any

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools

minor or other person, to a law enforcement authority for

appropriate disposition.

Added by Laws 1981, c. 109, § 1, emerg. eff. April 24, 1981.

Amended by Laws 1987, c. 115, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 1987; Laws 1995, c.

274, § 54, eff. Nov. 1, 1995; Laws 2001, c. 225, § 9, eff. July 1,

2001.

§70-24-132.1. Delivery of confiscated firearms to proper

authorities.

A. Pursuant to the requirements of Section 1271.1 of Title 21

of the Oklahoma Statutes, every school authority shall immediately

report the discovery of a firearm not otherwise authorized by law to

be possessed to a law enforcement authority and deliver any weapon

or firearm, removed or otherwise seized from any minor, to a law

enforcement authority for appropriate disposition.

B. Every school authority shall also immediately report to a

law enforcement authority the discovery of a firearm upon a student

that is not a minor or upon any other person not otherwise

authorized by law to possess a firearm on school property pursuant

to Section 1280.1 of Title 21 of the Oklahoma Statutes and deliver

any weapon or firearm that is removed or seized to a law enforcement

authority for disposition pursuant to Section 1271.1 of Title 21 of

the Oklahoma Statutes.

Added by Laws 2001, c. 225, § 10, eff. July 1, 2001. Amended by

Laws 2013, c. 56, § 1, eff. July 1, 2013.

§70-24-133. Renumbered as § 6-101.40 of this title by Laws 1989,

1st Ex.Sess., c. 2, § 119, operative July 1, 1990.

§70-24-134. Renumbered as § 6-101.43 of this title by Laws 1989,

1st Ex.Sess., c. 2, § 119, operative July 1, 1990.

§70-24-135. Renumbered as § 6-101.44 of this title by Laws 1989,

1st Ex.Sess., c. 2, § 119, operative July 1, 1990.

§70-24-135.1. Renumbered as § 6-101.45 of this title by Laws 1989,

1st Ex.Sess., c. 2, § 119, operative July 1, 1990.

§70-24-136. Renumbered as § 6-101.46 of this title by Laws 1989,

1st Ex.Sess., c. 2, § 119, operative July 1, 1990.

§70-24-137. Renumbered as § 6-101.47 of this title by Laws 1989,

1st Ex.Sess., c. 2, § 119, operative July 1, 1990.

§70-24-138. Reporting students under influence of certain

substances - Civil liability - Written policy.

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools

A. Whenever it appears to any public school teacher that a

student may be under the influence of low-point beer as defined in

Section 163.2 of Title 37 of the Oklahoma Statutes, alcoholic

beverages as defined in Section 506 of Title 37 of the Oklahoma

Statutes or a controlled dangerous substance, as defined in Section

2-101 of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes, that teacher shall

report the matter, upon recognition, to the school principal or his

or her designee. The principal or designee shall immediately notify

the superintendent of schools or designee and a parent or legal

guardian of the student of the matter.

No officer or employee of any public school district or member

of any school board shall be subject to any civil liability for any

statement, report, or action taken in assisting or referring for

assistance to any medical treatment, social service agency or

facility or any substance abuse prevention and treatment program any

student reasonably believed to be abusing or incapacitated by the

use of low-point beer, alcoholic beverages or a controlled dangerous

substance unless such assistance or referral was made in bad faith

or with malicious purpose. No such officer or employee of any

public school district, member of any school board, school or school

district shall be responsible for any treatment costs incurred by a

student as a result of any such assistance or referral to any

medical treatment, social service agency or facility, or substance

abuse prevention and treatment program.

B. Every school district shall have and deliver to each

classroom teacher a written policy that such teachers shall follow

if they have a student who appears to be under the influence of lowpoint beer, alcoholic beverages or a controlled dangerous substance

in their classroom. The written policy shall be developed by the

local superintendent of schools and adopted by the local board of

education. The provisions of subsection A of this section shall be

the minimum requirements of such written policy. The written policy

shall be filed with the office of the State Superintendent of Public

Instruction within ninety (90) days of the effective date of this

act. If such filing is not timely made, the public schools in such

school district shall lose their accreditation until the written

policy is filed.

Added by Laws 1981, c. 168, § 1, eff. July 1, 1981. Amended by Laws

1985, c. 121, § 1; Laws 1987, c. 115, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 1987; Laws

1995, c. 274, § 55, eff. Nov. 1, 1995.

§70-24-139.

Repealed by Laws 1985, c. 50, § 2, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.

§70-24-140. School district administrators and principals Leadership skills and development programs.

The State Board of Education shall study programs designed to

develop leadership skills for school district administrators and

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools

principals which utilize expertise and program availability from

private industry. If funds are available, such program shall be

adopted and implemented beginning with the 1992-93 school year.

Added by Laws 1989, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 2, § 55, emerg. eff. April 25,

1990.

§70-24-150. Sports competition - Equal employment opportunity for

officials, referees and other individuals.

No school or school district shall belong to or participate in a

sports competition sponsored by an organization unless said

organization provides all qualified officials, referees or other

individuals charged with selecting winners or controlling the

conduct of the competition an equal employment opportunity without

discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex,

geographical boundaries or national origin. All amateur sports

organizations and schools or school districts shall ensure that all

officials, referees and other individuals charged with selecting

winners or controlling the conduct of the competition are afforded

an equal opportunity to be assigned to serve in such capacity,

provided that the official or referee is qualified or is able to

adequately perform the job at such place or time.

Added by Laws 1992, c. 194, § 2.

§70-24-151. Coordination of spring break dates – Legislative

intent.

A. It is the intent of the Legislature that the State

Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Director of the State

Department of Vocational and Technical Education, and the Chancellor

for Higher Education shall coordinate spring break dates for the

public schools, area vocational-technical schools, and institutions

within The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education beginning with

the 2001-2002 school year.

B. Independent, elementary, and area vocational-technical

school districts and institutions within The Oklahoma State System

of Higher Education shall schedule spring break dates as determined

pursuant to subsection A of this section.

Added by Laws 2000, c. 232, § 22, eff. July 1, 2000.

§70-24-152. Veterans Day and Celebrate Freedom Week in public

schools - Instruction on Declaration of Independence and U.S.

Constitution.

A. In order to educate students about the sacrifices made for

freedom on behalf of this country and the values on which this

country was founded, the date of November 11 is hereby designated

"Veterans Day", and the week in which November 11 falls is hereby

designated “Celebrate Freedom Week” in and for the public schools of

this state. In any year in which the date of November 11 is a

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools

Saturday or Sunday or classes are not in regular session, the public

schools of this state shall observe the previous school day as

"Veterans Day" as provided for in this section. For purposes of

this subsection, Sunday shall be considered the first day of the

week.

B. The board of education of each public school district shall

ensure that each school in its district will on Veterans Day conduct

and observe an appropriate program of at least one class period

remembering and honoring American veterans. In addition, schools

may choose, if scheduling allows, to have a one-minute moment of

silence beginning at 11:00 a.m. on November 11 of each year. The

benefit of such activity, in addition to honoring American veterans,

is to serve to educate students about the termination of World War I

at 11:00 a.m. on November 11, 1918, which was first recognized by

United States President Woodrow Wilson on the first anniversary of

the truce in a proclamation eulogizing fallen Allied soldiers and

referring to November 11 as Armistice Day.

C. By December 31, 2007, the State Board of Education shall

adopt rules which require each public school district in the state

to include, as a part of a social studies class, during Celebrate

Freedom Week or during another full school week as determined by the

board of education, grade-appropriate instruction concerning the

intent, meaning, and importance of the Declaration of Independence

and the United States Constitution, including the Bill of Rights, in

their historical contexts. The religious references in the writings

of the founding fathers shall not be censored. The rules shall

require appropriate grade level study of the Declaration of

Independence to include the study of the relationship of the ideas

expressed in that document to subsequent American history, including

the relationship of its ideas to the rich diversity of our people as

a nation of immigrants, the American Revolution, the formulation of

the United States Constitution, and the abolitionist movement, which

led to the Emancipation Proclamation, the women's suffrage movement,

and the civil rights movement and the passage of civil rights

legislation.

D. The rules adopted by the State Board of Education pursuant

to subsection C of this section shall establish different levels of

content and rigor of the subject matter required to be covered

during Celebrate Freedom Week that is appropriate for the different

grade levels and that meet state and national standards.

E. The rules adopted by the State Board of Education pursuant

to subsection C of this section shall also provide that during

Celebrate Freedom Week or another week of instruction selected by

the board of education, students in grades three through twelve

study and recite the text quoted below:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are

created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools

unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the

pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are

instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of

the governed."

F. Students may be excused from the recitation of the text set

forth in subsection D of this section, if:

1. The parent or guardian of the student submits to the school

district a written request that the student be excused;

2. As determined by the school district, the student has a

conscientious objection to the recitation; or

3. The student is the child of a representative of a foreign

government to whom the United States government extends diplomatic

immunity.

Added by Laws 2001, c. 250, § 1, eff. July 1, 2001. Amended by Laws

2007, c. 83, § 1, eff. July 1, 2007; Laws 2008, c. 90, § 1, eff.

July 1, 2008.

§70-24-153. Granting of high school diplomas to certain veterans.

A. In order to recognize and pay tribute to veterans who left

high school prior to graduation to serve in World War II, in the

Korean War, or in the Vietnam War, a board of education of any

independent school district in this state is hereby authorized to

grant a diploma of graduation to any veteran who meets the

requirements as listed in subsection B of this section. School

districts are further encouraged to present such diplomas in

conjunction with appropriate Veterans Day programs.

B. To be eligible for a high school diploma pursuant to this

section, a veteran shall:

1. Have been honorably discharged from the Armed Forces of the

United States of America;

2. Have served on active duty or have been discharged with a

service-connected disability between the dates of September 16,

1940, and December 31, 1946, or between the dates of June 27, 1950,

and January 31, 1955, or between the dates of May 13, 1961, and

April 29, 1975; and

3. Be a resident of the State of Oklahoma.

C. The State Board of Education shall consult with the

Department of Veterans Affairs in adopting rules to implement the

provisions of this act.

Added by Laws 2001, c. 157, § 1, eff. July 1, 2001. Amended by Laws

2002, c. 147, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2002; Laws 2006, c. 278, § 5, eff.

July 1, 2006.

§70-24-154. Classroom placement of multiple-birth siblings Definition.

A. A parent or guardian of multiple-birth siblings may request

that the children attend the same school and be placed in the same

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools

classroom or in separate classrooms if the children are in the same

grade level at the same school and meet the eligibility requirements

of the class. The school may recommend classroom placement to the

parents and provide professional education advice to the parents to

assist them in making the best decision for their children's

education. A school must provide the placement requested by the

children's parent or guardian, unless the district board makes a

classroom placement determination following the school principal's

request according to this section. The parent or guardian must

request the classroom placement no later than fourteen (14) days

after the first day of each school year or fourteen (14) days after

the first day of attendance of the children during a school year if

the children are enrolled in the school after the school year

commences. At the end of the initial grading period, if the school

principal, in consultation with the children's classroom teacher,

determines that the requested classroom placement is disruptive to

the classroom environment, the school principal may request that the

district board determine the children's classroom placement.

B. For purposes of this section, "multiple-birth siblings"

means twins, triplets, quadruplets, quintuplets, or higher number of

siblings resulting from a multiple birth.

Added by Laws 2008, c. 396, § 1.

§70-24-155. Concussion information - Removal from practice or game

- Reinstatement

A. As defined in this act:

1. "Athlete" means a secondary-school-age individual who is

participating in a sport which is individual- and/or team-based,

outside of school or within school and either competitive or in an

organized practice; and

2. "Health care provider" means an individual who is

registered, certified, licensed or otherwise recognized by the state

to provide medical or psychological treatment and who is trained and

experienced in the evaluation, management and care of concussions.

B. The State Department of Health shall create a concussion

management section on its website to provide the guidelines

necessary for each school district board of education and youth

sports organization to develop their own policies and procedures

pertaining to, but not limited to:

1. A concussion and head injury information sheet for game

officials, team officials, athletes, parents or guardians and other

persons having care or charge of athletes of the signs and symptoms

of concussion or head injury and the risk of continuing to practice

or compete in an athletic event or activity after sustaining a

concussion or head injury;

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools

2. "Return to Learn" guidelines for teachers and relevant

school personnel pertaining to athletes who are returning to the

classroom after sustaining a concussion or head injury;

3. "Graduated Stepwise Return to Athletic Participation"

guidelines for team officials pertaining to athletes returning to

practice or competition after a concussion or head injury; and

4. Links to one or more free online concussion training

programs as provided by the Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention (CDC), the National Federation of State High School

Associations (NFHS) or a comparable program or resource.

The Department shall periodically review the guidelines and update

it accordingly.

C. Each school district board of education and youth sports

organization or association shall develop policies and procedures

pursuant to subsection B of this section to inform and educate their

respective coaches, game officials, team officials, athletes and

their parents or guardians of the nature and risk of concussion and

head injury, including continuing to play after concussion or head

injury. On an annual basis, information regarding concussion and

head injuries shall be disseminated to the athlete and his or her

parent or guardian. Acknowledgment and understanding of the

information shall be completed by the athlete and the athlete's

parent or guardian and maintained by the school or the youth sports

organization or association prior to the athlete's participation in

practice or competition.

1. On an annual basis, game officials and team officials shall

undergo concussion training provided by the CDC, the NFHS or a

comparable program or resource. A record of completion of the

training course shall be readily available upon request.

2. If any game official or team official responsible for the

care and safety of an athlete in an athletic event becomes aware or

suspects an athlete is exhibiting signs, symptoms or behaviors

consistent with having sustained a concussion or head injury, he or

she shall remove the athlete from the practice or competition.

3. If an athlete is removed from practice or competition as

provided in paragraph 2 of this subsection, the athlete shall not,

on the same day the athlete is removed, be permitted to return to

that practice or competition or to participate in any other practice

or competition, unless deemed eligible pursuant to the provisions of

paragraph 4 of this subsection.

4. An athlete who has been removed from participation as

provided in paragraph 2 of this subsection may not participate until

the athlete is evaluated by a health care provider and receives

written clearance to return to participation from that health care

provider. The health care provider may be a volunteer. A health

care provider, game official or team official, whether volunteer or

employee, shall not be liable for civil damages for injury, death or

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools

loss to person or property allegedly arising from any act or

omission in providing services or performing duties unless the acts

or omissions constituting gross negligence or willful or wanton

misconduct.

D. Respective governing boards shall establish the following

minimum penalties for a violation of paragraph 2 of subsection C of

this section for those individuals set forth in paragraph 1 of

subsection C of this section:

1. First violation shall be additional concussion recognition

and management education as predetermined by the governing board;

2. Second violation shall be suspension from the sport until

appearance before the governing board; and

3. Monetary fines shall not be considered as a penalty.

E. The Department shall promulgate rules necessary to implement

the provisions of this act.

Added by Laws 2010, c. 264, § 1, eff. July 1, 2010. Amended by Laws

2016, c. 375, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2016.

§70-24-156. Chase Morris Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act.

A. This act shall be known and may be cited as the “Chase

Morris Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act”.

B. As used in the Chase Morris Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention

Act, “athletic activity” means any sport sanctioned and offered in

grades seven through twelve by a school district.

C. The State Department of Health and the State Department of

Education shall jointly develop and post on their publicly

accessible websites guidelines and other relevant materials to

inform and educate students participating in or desiring to

participate in an athletic activity, their parents, and their

coaches about the nature and warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest

including the risks associated with continuing to play or practice

after experiencing one or more symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest

including unexplained fainting, difficulty breathing, chest pains,

dizziness, and abnormal racing heart rate. In developing the

guidelines and materials, the State Department of Health and the

State Department of Education may utilize existing materials

developed by other entities or organizations.

D. A student participating in or desiring to participate in an

athletic activity and the student’s parent or guardian shall, each

school year and prior to participation by the student in an athletic

activity, sign and return to the student’s school an acknowledgement

of receipt and review of a sudden cardiac arrest symptoms and

warning signs information sheet jointly developed by the State

Department of Health and the State Department of Education.

E. A school may hold an informational meeting prior to the

start of each athletic season for all ages of competitors regarding

the symptoms and warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest. In

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools

addition to students, parents, coaches, and other school officials,

informational meetings may include physicians, pediatric

cardiologists, and athletic trainers.

F. A student who collapses or faints without a concurrent head

injury while participating in an athletic activity shall be removed

by the coach from participation at that time.

G. A student removed or prevented from participating in an

athletic activity pursuant to subsection F of this section shall not

return to participation until the student is evaluated and cleared

for return to participation in writing by a health care provider as

defined in Section 3090.2 of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

H. Once each year, a coach of an athletic activity, school

nurses, and athletic trainers shall complete:

1. The sudden cardiac arrest training course offered by a

provider approved by the State Department of Health; and

2. Training in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and

use of an automated external defibrillator. The training shall

follow guidelines set by a nationally recognized, guidelines-based

organization focused on emergency cardiovascular care.

A coach of an athletic activity shall not coach the athletic

activity until the coach completes the training course required

under this subsection.

I. Each public school in this state shall develop a sudden

cardiac emergency response plan. The plan shall be formulated by a

school site administrator and presented to the school district board

of education. The plan shall:

1. Establish and provide for membership of a sudden cardiac

emergency response team for each school site. Each team shall

include a school site administrator;

2. Activate the team in response to a sudden cardiac arrest;

3. Implement automated external defibrillator (AED) placement

and routine maintenance within the school as needed and dictated by

the plan and in accordance with guidelines set by a nationally

recognized, guidelines-based organization focused on emergency

cardiovascular care. The plan shall provide for implementation of

clearly marked and easily accessible AED placement;

4. Provide for communication and dissemination of the plan

throughout the school campus;

5. Require the response team to practice the plan by conducting

periodic drills;

6. Provide for coordination with emergency medical service

providers that serve the area in which the school is located;

7. Address athletic events and athletic facilities at each

middle school and high school site provided:

a.

an AED shall be placed at each athletic venue or be

accessible within one to three minutes of each venue

where athletic practices or competitions are held, or

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools

b.

a mobile AED device shall be on the premises in

accordance with guidelines set by a nationally

recognized, guidelines-based organization focused on

emergency cardiovascular care;

8. Provide for appropriate school staff to be trained in first

aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and the use of an AED in

accordance with guidelines set by a nationally recognized,

guidelines-based organization focused on emergency cardiovascular

care. The plan shall stipulate the appropriate staff to receive

training which shall include, but not be limited to, athletic

coaches, school nurses, and athletic trainers; and

9. Be reviewed by the school district board of education and

sudden cardiac emergency response team members and updated annually.

J. The sponsors of youth athletic activities not associated

with a school are encouraged to follow the guidance stated in the

Chase Morris Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act.

K. Nothing in the Chase Morris Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention

Act shall be construed to create, establish, expand, reduce,

contract, or eliminate any civil liability on the part of any school

or school employee.

L. The State Board of Health and the State Board of Education

shall promulgate rules to implement the provisions of the Chase

Morris Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act.

Added by Laws 2015, c. 272, § 1, eff. July 1, 2015. Amended by Laws

2024, c. 451, § 1, eff. July 1, 2024.

§70-24-157. Mandatory gender or sexual diversity training or

counseling prohibited – Certain race- or sex-based concepts

prohibited from courses.

A. 1. No enrolled student of an institution of higher

education within The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education shall

be required to engage in any form of mandatory gender or sexual

diversity training or counseling; provided, voluntary counseling

shall not be prohibited. Any orientation or requirement that

presents any form of race or sex stereotyping or a bias on the basis

of race or sex shall be prohibited.

2. Pursuant to the provisions of the Administrative Procedures

Act, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education shall

promulgate rules, subject to approval by the Legislature, to

implement the provisions of this subsection.

B. The provisions of this subsection shall not prohibit the

teaching of concepts that align to the Oklahoma Academic Standards.

1. No teacher, administrator or other employee of a school

district, charter school or virtual charter school shall require or

make part of a course the following concepts:

a.

one race or sex is inherently superior to another race

or sex,

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools

b.

an individual, by virtue of his or her race or sex, is

inherently racist, sexist or oppressive, whether

consciously or unconsciously,

c.

an individual should be discriminated against or

receive adverse treatment solely or partly because of

his or her race or sex,

d.

members of one race or sex cannot and should not

attempt to treat others without respect to race or

sex,

e.

an individual’s moral character is necessarily

determined by his or her race or sex,

f.

an individual, by virtue of his or her race or sex,

bears responsibility for actions committed in the past

by other members of the same race or sex,

g.

any individual should feel discomfort, guilt, anguish

or any other form of psychological distress on account

of his or her race or sex, or

h.

meritocracy or traits such as a hard work ethic are

racist or sexist or were created by members of a

particular race to oppress members of another race.

2. The State Board of Education shall promulgate rules, subject

to approval by the Legislature, to implement the provisions of this

subsection.

Added by Laws 2021, c. 426, § 1, eff. July 1, 2021.

§70-24-158. Oklahoma Prevention Needs Assessment Survey.

A. The "Oklahoma Prevention Needs Assessment Survey" means the

biennial mental health prevention survey of public school students

in grades six, eight, ten, and twelve managed by the Department of

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.

B. Beginning in the 2022-2023 school year, and biennially

thereafter, public schools shall administer the Oklahoma Prevention

Needs Assessment Survey, or an alternative survey as provided in

subsection D of this section, for the purpose of providing direction

to schools, school districts, and communities to effectively improve

the lives of students regarding a variety of issues with a focus on

alcohol, tobacco, other drug use, mental health, academic failure,

and violence.

C. The Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services

shall maintain the Oklahoma Prevention Needs Assessment Survey and

shall provide technical assistance for schools in survey

administration, reporting, planning, and development of school

mental health prevention and intervention strategies informed by the

survey results.

D. If a school or school district chooses to administer an

alternative survey or assessment tool to fulfill the purpose

described in subsection B of this section, it may apply for a waiver

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools

through the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse

Services.

E. The school district superintendent or his or her designee

shall provide prior written notification to the parents or legal

guardians of students to be administered the Oklahoma Prevention

Needs Assessment Survey or an alternative survey or assessment tool

adopted pursuant to subsection D of this section. The notification

shall include information to parents and legal guardians that they

may opt their student out of the survey or assessment tool by

providing written notice to the school district.

F. Prior to the biennial administration of the Oklahoma

Prevention Needs Assessment Survey, the Department of Mental Health

and Substance Abuse Services shall submit the survey to the

President Pro Tempore of the Oklahoma State Senate, the Speaker of

the Oklahoma House of Representatives, the chairs of the committees

with responsibility over common education in both houses of the

Legislature, and the chairs of the committees with responsibility

over public health in both houses of the Legislature.

G. The provisions of this section shall be subject to the

availability of federal funding. If federal funding is insufficient

to provide the Oklahoma Prevention Needs Assessment Survey to public

schools on a biennial basis, administration of the survey shall not

be required.

H. The Board of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and

the State Board of Education may promulgate rules as necessary to

carry out the provisions of this section.

Added by Laws 2021, c. 406, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2021. Amended by Laws

2022, c. 281, § 2, eff. July 1, 2022.

NOTE: Editorially renumbered from § 24-157 of this title to avoid a

duplication in numbering.

§70-24-159. Protocol for mental health crises.

A. Each public school district shall maintain a protocol for

responding to students in mental health crisis with the goal of

preventing student suicide, self-harm, and harm to others.

1. The protocol shall be developed, maintained, and implemented

in partnership with one or more local mental health treatment

providers certified by the Department of Mental Health and Substance

Abuse Services. At least one provider partner shall have:

a.

the ability to serve all school-aged children

regardless of insurance status, and

b.

the ability and certification to provide mental health

crisis services in the region where students attend

school.

2. Any organization certified by the state as a community

mental health center as defined in Section 3-302 of Title 43A of the

Oklahoma Statutes or a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools

shall serve as a school partner if requested by a school district

located in its state-designated service area.

B. The protocol for responding to mental health crises shall,

at a minimum:

1. Provide a definition of mental health crisis involving

potential for harm to self or others;

2. Document how mental health crises may be identified by

school administrators, teachers, support employees, and school-based

mental health professionals;

3. Outline nonpunitive steps to safeguard student health and

safety in response to an immediate or potential mental health

crisis;

4. Identify local treatment providers and resources available

to support students and families in mental health crisis and ensure

appropriate referrals to treatment;

5. Outline a process for ensuring parent and caregiver

notification and involvement during an actual or potential mental

health crisis; and

6. Document how student privacy will be protected in compliance

with applicable state and federal laws.

C. If a student who is under eighteen (18) years of age is

identified as being in or at risk of a mental health crisis, the

school shall inform the parent or legal guardian of the student and

offer the treatment referral information contained in the protocol.

Parent or legal guardian consent shall be required for any

subsequent action taken by the school as part of the protocol except

in cases of immediate and life-threatening danger to self or others.

D. All protocols developed by school districts and partner

organizations shall comply with the Health Insurance Portability and

Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 and Family Educational Rights and

Privacy Act (FERPA) privacy requirements.

E. School administrators, teachers, support employees, and

school-based mental health providers shall be provided ready access

to and regular training on the protocol.

F. A working agreement shall be signed by the school district

board of education and each identified mental health provider

partner outlining all obligations of the parties under the

established protocol and a strategy for regularly reviewing its

effectiveness using anonymous, nonidentifiable data.

G. Not less than every two (2) years, the school district and

its mental health provider partners shall jointly review the

protocol and working agreements and consider any updates necessary

to better meet the needs of students. School districts and mental

health provider partners shall include in their review process

information gathered from the Oklahoma Prevention Needs Assessment

Survey or an alternative survey, as provided for in Section 24-158

of Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools

H. Each school district shall submit the latest protocol and

working agreements to the State Department of Education, which shall

share the protocols and agreements with the Department of Mental

Health and Substance Abuse Services. These agencies may require

revisions to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations,

and established evidence-based practices.

I. The Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services

and the State Department of Education shall provide technical

assistance to school districts and their provider partners by:

1. Making available an optional template protocol which

satisfies the provisions of this section;

2. Making available an optional template working agreement

which can be adopted by schools and provider partners;

3. Providing school districts with lists of local public and

private treatment providers eligible to serve as partners in the

development and maintenance of a protocol;

4. Providing information on any available mental health crisis

phone line;

5. Making available information on evidence-based practices for

meeting the mental health needs of students; and

6. Providing ongoing assistance and consultation as requested

by a school district.

J. The Board of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and

the State Board of Education may promulgate rules as necessary to

ensure compliance with this section.

K. Nothing in this section shall be construed to create,

establish, expand, reduce, contract, or eliminate any civil

liability on the part of any school or school employee.

Added by Laws 2022, c. 281, § 1, eff. July 1, 2022.

§70-24-160. Wearing tribal regalia during official graduation

ceremonies.

A. 1. A student enrolled in a public school district, a public

charter school, or a technology center school may wear tribal

regalia during the school’s official graduation ceremonies, whether

held at a public or private location.

2. Nothing in this subsection shall limit or alter the

authority of school personnel to regulate student behavior pursuant

to the School Safety and Bullying Prevention Act.

B. A student enrolled in an institution within The Oklahoma

State System of Higher Education may wear tribal regalia during the

institution’s official graduation ceremonies, whether held at a

public or private location.

C. A school district board of education, a governing board of a

charter school, a governing board of a technology center school, or

the board of regents of an institution within The Oklahoma State

System of Higher Education may adopt a policy pursuant to the

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools

provisions of this section, which may specify the characteristics of

any garment, jewelry, other adornment, or object that the school or

institution finds will endanger the safety of a student or others or

interfere with graduation ceremonies if worn by a student.

D. For the purposes of this section, “tribal regalia” means

traditional garments, jewelry, other adornments such as an eagle

feather, an eagle plume, a beaded cap, a stole, or similar objects

of cultural and religious significance worn by members of a

federally recognized Indian tribe or the tribe of another country.

Tribal regalia does not include any firearm or other weapon. Tribal

regalia does not include any object that is otherwise prohibited by

federal law, except in compliance with an appropriate federal

permit.

Added by Laws 2023, c. 307, § 1, eff. July 1, 2023.

§70-24-161. Auditing classes by governing board members.

A. Being necessary to fulfill their role as a member of the

governing board of their respective Oklahoma higher education

institution, any member of a governing board of an Oklahoma higher

education institution shall be allowed by their institution to audit

a class free of charge.

B. Governing board members who audit a class pursuant to

subsection A of this section may not receive academic credit for the

class or classes audited.

Added by Laws 2023, c. 52, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2023.

NOTE: Editorially renumbered from § 24-160 of this title to avoid a

duplication in numbering.

§70-24-162. Discrimination prohibited.

A. As used in this section:

1. “Antisemitism” has the same meaning as provided for by the

International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance Working Definition of

Antisemitism, including its contemporary examples, as it was adopted

on May 26, 2016;

2. “Institution of higher education” means an institution of

higher education within The Oklahoma State System of Higher

Education; and

3. “Public school” shall have the same meaning as provided for

in Section 1-106 of Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

B. Discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, national

origin, sex, disability, religion, or marital status against a

student or an employee in an institution of higher education or a

public school in this state shall be prohibited. No person in this

state shall, on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, sex,

disability, religion, or marital status, be excluded from

participating in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to

discrimination under any institution of higher education or public

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools

school program or activity or in any employment conditions or

practices conducted by an institution of higher education or a

public school that receives or benefits from federal or state

financial assistance.

C. The criteria for admission to a program or course at an

institution of higher education shall not have the effect of

restricting access by persons of a particular race, ethnicity,

national origin, sex, disability, religion, or marital status;

provided, this shall not infringe upon the rights of student faithbased organizations and ethnic solidarity organizations to select

leadership committed to their group’s mission and principles.

D. All institution of higher education and public school

classes shall be available to all students without regard to race,

ethnicity, national origin, sex, disability, religion, or marital

status. Provided, however, the provisions of this subsection shall

not prohibit the provision of programs designed to meet the needs of

students with limited proficiency in English, gifted students, or

students with disabilities or programs tailored to students with

specialized talents or skills.

E. Guidance, counseling, and financial assistance services in

institutions of higher education and public schools shall be

available to all students equally and provided in the same manner

regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, disability,

religion, or marital status.

F. All education programs, activities, and opportunities

offered by institutions of higher education and public schools shall

be made available without discrimination on the basis of race,

ethnicity, national origin, sex, disability, religion, or marital

status.

G. Nothing in this act shall be construed to limit or restrict

the implementation, funding, or administration of any Indian

education programs or services established under federal or state

law.

Added by Laws 2025, c. 73, § 1.

§70-24-163. Antisemitism.

A. Institutions of higher education and public schools shall

integrate the definition of antisemitism provided for in Section 1

of this act into their student, faculty, and employee codes of

conduct. Prohibited conduct as it specifically relates to

antisemitism shall include harassment and discrimination against

Jews in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and

antidiscrimination regulations provided by the United States

Department of Education and the United States Department of Justice.

B. Institutions of higher education and public schools shall

treat harassment of or discrimination against students or employees

or resulting from institutional policies or programs on their

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools

campuses motivated by or including antisemitic intent in an

identical manner to discrimination motivated by race.

C. All institutions of higher education and public schools are

encouraged to:

1. Incorporate antisemitism awareness training for all

students, faculty, administrators, and campus police;

2. Integrate Jewish American heritage curriculum for students

that incorporates Jewish experiences in the United States of America

pre- and post-revolution, pre- and post-World War II and the

Holocaust, and in modern times; and

3. Place reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions on

speech to ensure order and protect the rights of all students.

D. 1. The State Department of Education shall designate a

Title VI coordinator dedicated to monitoring antisemitic

discrimination and harassment in public schools in this state. All

public schools shall electronically report incidents and complaints

of antisemitic discrimination and harassment to the Title VI

coordinator. The Title VI Coordinator shall establish, maintain,

and publicize a formal reporting process whereby students, parents,

staff, and faculty can submit complaints of antisemitic

discrimination and harassment.

2. The Title VI coordinator designated pursuant to paragraph 1

of this subsection shall thoroughly investigate all submitted

complaints. If after a reasonable investigation a Title VI

coordinator determines that a public school has engaged in, allowed,

or not sufficiently prohibited antisemitic discrimination, the State

Department of Education shall provide written notice to the public

school to address the complaint within thirty (30) days of receiving

the notice.

3. If the Title VI coordinator determines that the public

school has not taken the necessary actions to address the complaint

within thirty (30) days of receiving the notice, the Department

shall report its findings to the United States Department of

Education and the United States Department of Justice by making a

complaint under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

E. 1. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education shall

designate a Title VI coordinator dedicated to monitoring antisemitic

discrimination and harassment in institutions of higher education in

this state. All institutions of higher education shall

electronically report incidents and complaints of antisemitic

discrimination and harassment to the Title VI coordinator.

2. The Title VI coordinator designated pursuant to paragraph 1

of this subsection shall thoroughly investigate all submitted

complaints. If after a reasonable investigation a Title VI

coordinator determines that an institution of higher education has

engaged in, allowed, or not sufficiently prohibited antisemitic

discrimination, the State Regents shall provide written notice to

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools

the institution of higher education to address the complaint within

thirty (30) days of receiving the notice.

3. If the Title VI coordinator determines that the institution

of higher education has not taken the necessary actions to address

the complaint within thirty (30) days of receiving the notice, the

State Regents shall report their findings to the United States

Department of Education and the United States Department of Justice

by making a complaint under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of

1964.

F. No later than June 30, 2026, and June 30 each subsequent

year, the Title VI coordinators designated pursuant to paragraph 1

of subsections D and E of this section shall electronically submit

to the Legislature a report on antisemitism in institutions of

higher education and public schools.

G. The Legislature is encouraged to conduct hearings and/or

investigations to assess if institutions are adequately addressing

antisemitic harassment and discrimination; if not, the Legislature

should consider reducing or eliminating state funding to such

institutions.

Added by Laws 2025, c. 73, § 2.

§70-24-164. Construction of act.

A. Nothing in this act shall be construed to diminish or

infringe upon any right protected under the First Amendment to the

United States Constitution or Section 22 of Article II of the

Oklahoma Constitution.

B. Nothing in this act shall be construed to conflict with

federal or state discrimination laws.

Added by Laws 2025, c. 73, § 3.

§70-24-165. Short title — Federal Education Guidance Disclosure Act

— Online publication.

A. This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Federal

Education Guidance Disclosure Act".

B. Within five (5) days of receiving a guidance document from

the United States Department of Education, the State Department of

Education shall publish the guidance document on an Internet website

designated by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction unless

the guidance document contains sensitive or confidential information

not legal to disclose due to privacy laws.

C. 1. The State Department of Education shall create the

designated Internet website for publication described in subsection

B of this section no later than ninety (90) days after the effective

date of this act.

2. The State Department of Education shall include hyperlinks

on the Internet website, in a conspicuous manner, that provide

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools

access to the guidance documents received pursuant to subsection B

of this section.

D. If a guidance document is rescinded by the United States

Department of Education, the State Department of Education shall

maintain the rescinded guidance document at the location described

in subsection C of this section and indicate within fifteen (15)

days of such rescission:

1. That the document has been rescinded; and

2. The date the document was rescinded.

E. For purposes of this section, "guidance document" means a

federal agency statement of general applicability, other than a rule

that has the force and effect of law promulgated in accordance with

the notice and comment procedures under 5 U.S.C., Section 553, that

is designated by an agency official as setting forth a policy or

interpretation on a statutory, regulatory, or technical issue. A

guidance document may include, but is not limited to, a memorandum,

notice, bulletin, directive, letter, or no-action letter. The term

guidance document shall be construed broadly to effectuate the

purpose and intent of this act.

Added by Laws 2025, c. 188, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2025.

NOTE: Editorially renumbered from § 24-162 of this title to avoid

duplication in numbering.