Ceremonial signing held for legislation mandating civil rights curriculum in schools

OKLAHOMA CITY – Recently, Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, attended a ceremonial signing of House Bill 1397 which he was the Senate principal author on. The bill ensures schools include in their curriculum instruction on the civil rights movement with an emphasis on its foundation in natural law and natural rights principles as championed by its leaders, such as Martin Luther King, Jr.

The bill was ceremonially signed by Gov. Kevin Stitt in the Blue Room at the state Capitol.

“I’m happy the Governor saw fit to celebrate this legislation,” Bergstrom said. “This bill will ensure the principals of peaceful protest, fairness in how we treat each other individually and as a society, respect for each other, and natural rights will be passed on in Oklahoma’s classrooms for generations to come.”

“No one should face discrimination based on immutable characteristics, like the color of his or her skin, and our kids should be taught that,” Bergstrom added.

Rep. Mark Lepak, R-Claremore, was the House principal author and was in attendance as well.

The bill will go into effect November 1, 2023.

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For more information, contact: Sen. Micheal Bergstrom at 405-521-5561, or email Micheal.Bergstrom@oksenate.gov.

Cutline: Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, and Rep. Mark Lepak, R-Claremore, pose with Gov. Kevin Stitt after the ceremonial signing of HB 1397.