Tech Industry in Tulsa Proves Unbreakable in Light of Anti-DEI Actions by State Government

Oklahoma took a stand against diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) last month. The state’s governor, Kevin Stitt, signed an executive order defunding DEI efforts in public colleges and universities and banning it in other state agencies. He said the move would take “politics out of education” and encourage “equal opportunity rather than promising equal outcomes.” Affirmative action itself has been banned in the state since 2012. But public colleges aren’t the only ones being affected; this is part of a broader backlash to DEI that has become prevalent in many industries, from technology to academia to fashion. Supporters of DEI say these initiatives help everyone get ahead, especially marginalized communities that have been historically disenfranchised.

Oklahoma shook the world by standing against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) last month. Governor Kevin Stitt made a bold move by signing an executive order that discontinues funding for DEI efforts in public colleges and universities, and prohibits it in other state agencies.

“Our goal is to remove politics from education and promote equal opportunity, rather than just promising equal outcomes,” Stitt stated confidently.

This move is not entirely new, as the state has already prohibited affirmative action since 2012. However, this latest executive order does not target student organizations, but still has a significant impact by banning the use of state resources for diversity training. It also calls for a review of existing DEI programs, with the aim of eliminating any “non-critical” personnel.

Oklahoma is not the only state attempting to curb DEI initiatives in public colleges. Florida, Texas, South Dakota, North Carolina, and Tennessee are all following in its footsteps.

But the effects of this decision are not limited to public colleges. It is part of a larger backlash against DEI that can be observed in various industries, from technology to academia to fashion. Supporters of DEI argue that these initiatives benefit everyone, especially marginalized communities that have faced historical disenfranchisement. However, critics view DEI-related work as a form of discrimination.