Johnson applauds House passage of resolution to prohibit discrimination

Sen. Rob Johnson on Thursday applauded members of the Oklahoma House for approving Senate Joint Resolution 15, which would allow voters to approve an amendment prohibiting discrimination and preferential treatment in state government.

Johnson’s measure would ban programs that allow discrimination against, or give preferential treatment to, any person on the basis of race, sex, color or national origin.

“I have always believed we should be evaluated by our character and merit, not by the color of our skin,” said Johnson, R-Kingfisher. “Equality under the law is a fundamental American value. This proposal would give Oklahoma voters the opportunity to reaffirm the importance of that value in state government.”

Co-authored by Tuttle Republican Leslie Osborn, SJR 15 would prohibit discrimination or preferential treatment in public employment, public education and public contracting. Provisions of the amendment would apply to state agencies and subdivisions including public schools and universities.

“Government cannot guarantee equal opportunity if it does not treat all citizens equally,” Johnson said. “I’m confident a broad majority of Oklahomans will agree it is time to leave behind policies that enable discrimination and preferential treatment in state government.”