Earlier this year, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt and his pals in the state legislature reminded the world that Oklahoma is still a Top 10 State for Racism (#OKTop10) when they quickly and eagerly passed HB 1775 – a controversial law that would ban topics like racism or sexism from being taught or discussed in Oklahoma classrooms because they may, amongst other things, make children of racist parents feel uncomfortable.
The law was universally panned by liberals, academics and other people who think that ignoring and white-washing the history of racism in America, and how it still impacts our society today, is probably not a good idea, and basically equates to unconstitutional censorship.
As a result, the ACLU of Oklahoma, along with a few other liberal groups, announced this week they are challenging the constitutionality of the law in federal court:
BREAKING: ACLU, ACLU of Oklahoma, and Lawyers Committee file lawsuit challenging HB1775, which severely restricts public school teachers and students from learning and talking about race, gender, and sexuality in the classroom.
— ACLU of Oklahoma (@ACLUOK) October 19, 2021
After the lawsuit was announced, Oklahoma's right-wing propaganda pandering machine kicked into full force, letting its racist supporters know that just like they do with all the other repressive, draconian and unconstitutional laws our state passes each year, they'll waste all money and resources available to protect and defend the law.
For example, Oklahoma Attorney General John O'Connor – the crony Stitt chose to replace Mike Hunter – announced he's going to fight the activists who don't share our Oklahoma values for racism...
The legislature and Governor were wise to prevent the teaching of our children that one race or sex is inherently superior to another race or sex. I look forward to defending HB1775 against these activists who do not share our Oklahoma values. https://t.co/AQmTZhpZxD
— Oklahoma Attorney General John O'Connor (@Okla_OAG) October 19, 2021
First of all, since HB 1775 prohibits any discussion about race in the classroom, I guess it does prevent a little Confederate dandy from giving an oral report that one race or sex is inherently superior to another. Well, at least until Stitt, O'Connor and our lawmakers find a loophole. They want to preserve those Oklahoma values, right?
Anyway, I guess we'll watch this play out in the legal system over the next year or two. Like most draconian laws, you'd think and hope the courts will do the right thing and overturn the law, and let students and teachers have honest discussions in classrooms, but in this day and age, who knows what will happen. Stay with The Lost Ogle. We'll keep you advised.
