Sen. Bergstrom and Rep. Lepak commend governor for signing legislation to implement civil rights curriculum

OKLAHOMA CITY- Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, and Rep. Mark Lepak, R-Claremore, issued the following statements commending Gov. Kevin Stitt for signing House Bill 1397. The bill requires the State Department of Education to make curriculum available in Oklahoma schools that tells the story of the nation’s struggle for civil rights.

“I appreciate the governor signing legislation to better educate Oklahoma’s students on this nation’s civil rights movement. It is important to understand the evil of bigotry that plagued our nation as demonstrated by lynchings, segregation and Jim Crow laws. It is also important that we see how bigotry can be overcome by peaceful means. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his ‘I Have a Dream’ speech, his focus on natural law and natural rights principles were an example that should be shared. My hope is that our children will understand the need for peace in our nation and will follow Dr. King’s call to consider people’s character rather than the color of their skin, and become peacemakers in their communities, our state and our nation.” – Sen. Micheal Bergstrom

“This bill focuses on how to discuss and resolve difficult issues and advocate for change in a non-violent way through the study of the principles that informed Dr. King. One of the universal lessons of the civil rights era is that hatred based on immutable characteristics, such as race, ethnicity, sex, religious belief, disability, or nationality, can lead to profound injustice in any nation or society. This coursework neatly fits within Oklahoma's education standards and emphasizes freedom, perseverance, hope, justice, and conscience. I am optimistic that it will make a real difference, and I am grateful the governor recognized that by signing the bill into law.” – Rep. Mark Lepak

The provisions of HB 1397 will take effect November 1.

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For more information, contact: Sen. Micheal Bergstrom at 405-521-5561 or email Micheal.Bergstrom@oksenate.gov