Higher education; prohibiting certain institutions from taking certain actions due to a student's pregnancy. Effective date. Emergency.
Impact
The bill mandates that institutions must provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant students. This includes allowances for health and safety concerns, flexibility in making up missed tests or assignments, and extensions on examination preparation timelines. Such provisions are designed to support students during their pregnancy and post-birth, enabling them to maintain their educational standing and pursue their academic goals.
Summary
Senate Bill 627 establishes new regulations for higher education institutions in Oklahoma regarding the treatment of students who are pregnant. The bill prohibits institutions within the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education and private accredited higher learning institutions from requiring students to take leave or withdraw from their programs solely due to pregnancy. This legislation aims to ensure that pregnant students can continue their education without facing discrimination or undue pressure to alter their academic pursuits due to their condition.
Contention
While the bill seeks to protect the rights of pregnant students, discussions surrounding SB627 highlight potential contention regarding the breadth and implementation of these accommodations. Critics may express concerns about how effectively institutions will adopt the proposed measures and whether they truly ensure a supportive environment for all pregnant students. Proponents of the bill argue that it is a crucial step in addressing pregnancy discrimination within higher education and facilitating a more inclusive academic landscape.
Higher education; prohibiting certain institutions of higher education from accepting certain donations; prohibiting institutions from keeping certain donor information confidential. Effective date. Emergency.
Higher education; prohibiting tuition and fee rates at certain institutions of higher education from exceeding rates of certain academic year. Effective date. Emergency.
Higher education; prohibiting tuition and fee rates at certain institutions of higher education from exceeding rates of certain academic year. Effective date. Emergency.
Higher education; prohibiting certain individuals from being eligible to enroll in certain institutions of higher education. Effective date. Emergency.
Higher education; requiring certain institutions of higher education to report certain funding from certain foreign sources. Effective date. Emergency.
Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain propriety institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation.
Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation.
Establishes process for merger or consolidation of public institution of higher education with other institutions of higher education or certain proprietary institutions; requires executive and legislative approval of merger or consolidation.
Establishes process for merger or consolidation of public institution of higher education with other institutions of higher education or certain proprietary institutions; requires executive and legislative approval of merger or consolidation.
Relating to the issuance of a diploma to a student graduating from a public institution of higher education that has undergone a merger, acquisition, or name change.