Articles
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Judicial Reform
What the bar association doesn’t understand about judicial reform
In the coming months, the Oklahoma Bar Association is going to light up the phone lines of lawmakers. Here are some points about judicial reform that should give lawmakers and grassroots activists something to push back with.Ryan Haynie | December 11, 2023
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Higher Education
UCO requires English professor to embrace race-based discrimination
In a job posting for an assistant professor of English, the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) seeks applicants who have “a strong commitment to antiracist and social justice pedagogy.”Ray Carter | December 11, 2023
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Law & Principles
Government monopolies require regulation
The one area where regulation is not only necessary, but also must be the most intrusive, is in an environment where the government has granted a monopoly.Jonathan Small | December 11, 2023
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Education
School-choice program’s launch benefiting families
Oklahoma's school-choice tax credit program faced initial delays due to technical glitches, but after launching on Dec. 6, it received over 30,000 submissions in the first 90 minutes (although some duplication of submissions may have occurred), according to Governor Kevin Stitt. School leaders believe the program is providing new opportunities for Oklahomans who couldn't afford private school education before.Ray Carter | December 8, 2023
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Budget & Tax
Bergstrom seeks gradual Oklahoma income-tax repeal
Under legislation filed by state Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, Oklahoma’s personal income tax would be put on a path to full repeal through periodic tax cuts tied to revenue growth.Ray Carter | December 7, 2023
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Higher Education, Culture & the Family
OU study: Native American population growth raises climate-change risk
An OU professor says “Indigenous communities are grappling with an imminent climate crisis compounded by systemic injustices” and that much of the increased climate risk is the result of tribal citizens having children and grandchildren.Ray Carter | December 6, 2023
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Education
Program makes Oklahoma national education leader
Due to technical glitches, the effective launch of Oklahoma’s new school-choice program was shifted from Dec. 1 to Dec. 6. But when Oklahoma parents submit their applications on Wednesday, they will find themselves on ground the state has rarely trod.Ray Carter | December 5, 2023
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Law & Principles, Good Government
Questionable ethics at the Ethics Commission
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond has commendably intervened to address apparent violations of the Open Meeting Act by the Oklahoma Ethics Commission, insisting on the rescheduling of a meeting due to unauthorized discussions and a lack of public votes on crucial matters.Jonathan Small | December 4, 2023
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Education
School-choice rollout delayed
The launch of Oklahoma's new school-choice program, making refundable tax credits of $5,000 to $7,500 per child available for private school expenses, has been delayed due to technical challenges. The Oklahoma Tax Commission shifted the application start date from December 1 to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 6, to address complications and ensure a seamless rollout.Ray Carter | December 1, 2023
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Education
Walters announces effort to improve low-performing schools
State Superintendent Ryan Walters proposes additional resources for schools with a majority of students below grade level in reading and math, while also allowing schools with no improvement in student achievement to lose state accreditation.Ray Carter | November 30, 2023