Four of the 100 new laws that entered the books in Oklahoma on Tuesday can affect student programs, financial aid and student involvement in higher education.
Eligibility requirements for aid on two of the largest programs in Oklahoma are changing. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs can no longer be state funded and student involvement in meetings has been reduced.
Each law can and will affect the future of students in higher education. Here’s how each one applies:
HB 1727
The Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program (OHLAP), also referred to as Oklahoma’s Promise, is a program that covers tuition for those who meet certain academic and financial criteria and are enrolled in a state institution, a private institution or a vocational-technical program.
OHLAP is expanding its eligibility requirements through extending its application deadline and including students of long-term public school teachers.
High school students previously had to meet the requirements for the program before starting eleventh grade. If still meeting financial and academic requirements by Dec. 31 of their senior year or after turning 18, a student can enter an agreement with the Oklahoma State Regents of Higher Education (Regents) to receive aid as long as they have not reached age 21.
Under no circumstances will a student who applies after reaching age 21 receive aid per HB 1727.
Students of certified classroom teachers — specifically teachers who have been employed in a public school district for a minimum of 10 years — will now be eligible to receive the award if they are under 700 percent, or 7 times, the federal poverty level based on household size. Children of superintendents, principals or other administration positions are not eligible.
HB 2257
The Oklahoma National Guard Educational Assistance Act is a program that covers tuition, mandatory fees and academic fees for Guard members enrolled in public universities. HB 2257 refines the requirements to qualify, allows assistance for more fees and clarifies how funds will be handled.
Program fees — charges based on certain degree programs, which usually cover equipment, facilities and more — and any other fees that may arise are now covered by aid upon approval from the Regents and the military department.
The law allows the National Guard to establish a cap on the amount of funds disbursed to a single member. It can also cap the number of members let into the program.
To continuously qualify, students must also possess a Military Occupational Speciality or Air Force Speciality Code after the first semester in the program.
SB 796
No college in Oklahoma will be able to use state funds, property or resources to support DEI initiatives. This includes job positions, departments, activities, procedures and programs based on race, ethnicity or national origin. Mandating DEI training, activities or programs will also be prohibited.
Colleges will be required to initiate a review of each DEI initiative and restructure or eliminate any that are not, according to the law, “necessary for compliance, accreditation or student or employee support services.”
Professors or faculty members can still incorporate DEI initiatives into their courses and research work. Student organizations can still host activities focusing on a specific race, ethnicity or sex.
HB 2903
The student advisory board for the Regents is losing participatory privileges in regularly scheduled meetings. HB 2903 repeals a section of a law that allows the student board to designate a representative who could be granted speaking privileges to voice student concerns in meetings.
As the meetings are subject to the Open Meeting Act, it is open to the public and members of the board to attend but not participate unless the meeting is open for public comment.