Freedom 2 Learn Oklahoma Mobilizes Community Action and Federal Intervention

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TULSA, Okla. – Freedom 2 Learn Oklahoma, a group of concerned public school parents, educators, students and advocates from across our state, has announced a community-led action to protect the civil rights of all Oklahoma students. 

On Monday, March 25th from 6 pm to 8pm, Freedom 2 Learn Oklahoma will host a community listening session at the Greenwood Cultural Center (322 N Greenwood Ave, Tulsa, OK 74120) and workshop to hear the stories of parents, students and teachers affected by recent actions taken by the state of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma State Department of Education.

Restrictive laws like Oklahoma State Law 1775 and ongoing fear tactics, including threats against public school districts from state leaders, have become a norm in recent years. This, coupled with persistent and escalating attacks that target students, teachers, and parents from marginalized groups, is fostering a hostile environment that is hindering the education opportunities of students across our state. 

Possible Civil Rights Violations

The Freedom 2 Learn Oklahoma coalition believes the Department of Education must issue updated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 guidelines to safeguard students’ rights to freely express, celebrate, and explore their identities within school environments in states like Oklahoma, Texas, Florida, and beyond. This federal guidance is imperative, especially in light of recent state laws that prohibit students from learning about their history and identities, necessitating federal intervention. 

1775 Title VI Oklahoma Violations

The coalition also believes that Oklahoma state law 1775 violates the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or relevant provisions of the U.S. Constitution, as it:  

• it disproportionately affects Black, Indigenous, Latino students attending public institutions receiving federal funding in Oklahoma 
• it was passed due to racial animus
• it creates unequal educational opportunities for Black and Indigenous students attending public schools to accurately learn their histories    
• creates a hostile environments for Black, Indigenous, and LGBTQ+ students to learn 
• it leads to racial harassment of students, teachers in schools receiving federal funds  

What Freedom 2 Learn Oklahoma Values

The parents, students, educators and advocates of Freedom 2 Learn Oklahoma recognize and hold dear the right of each student to access a quality public education, as guaranteed by our state constitution. These concerned community members also remain unwavering in protecting the federal rights of all Oklahoma students to access this education free of discrimination. 

“All of our history must be accurately taught in public schools. Every child should see themselves in history books taught in school and learn about their history in our curriculum. Teachers should never doubt if it’s right to talk openly and take questions around any part of our history,” Ashley Daly, a parent and one of the organizers for the event, said. 

As those in positions of state leadership continue to intentionally chip away at these rights, Freedom 2 Learn Oklahoma will be providing other parents and students with access to a community workshop on March 25th to share their concerns and learn how to take action to protect their civil rights.  

Freedom 2 Learn Oklahoma’s Upcoming Meeting with US Education Secretary

Additionally, members from this group of public education advocates will be traveling to Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, April 9th to meet directly with US Education Secretary Cardona and members of the USDE Office of Civil Rights. 

In this meeting, these advocates will share the stories and concerns of Oklahomans and urge federal action to protect the rights and opportunities our students and their families are guaranteed. 

CALL TO ACTION: Attend the March 25th Event 

Protecting the rights of our students and the future of public education in our state is not a partisan issue – it is an Oklahoma issue. Freedom 2 Learn Oklahoma is comprised of individuals from every political persuasion and encourages all those who share in our concern for our students, our schools and our communities to join us on March 25th at the Greenwood Cultural Center [RSVP here] and to sign the petition urging action from the US Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights [linked here].