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Sen. Young to host interim studies exploring racial discrimination issues

Sen. George Young, D-Oklahoma City, will host two interim studies on Sept. 22.

The first study will focus on equality issues relating to racial discrimination and bias in Oklahoma across state agencies, communities, organizations and businesses, as well as environmental racism. 

A second study will dive into community racial impact statements, specifically as they relate to proposed legislation impacting the incarceration rate of certain demographics. Young filed legislation during the 2020 legislative session to require a racial impact statement for any Senate or House bill that would create a new offense, change an existing offense, change the penalty for an existing offense or change existing sentencing, parole or probation procedures. The measure did not advance. 

“Now is the time for our state leaders to come together and take a long, hard look at racial inequality in our homes, workplaces, prisons and streets,” Young said. “Racial bias and discrimination has gone on long enough, and I’m hopeful these studies will help us discover the tools we need to eliminate systemic racism from our daily lives.” 

The studies will be held at the State Capitol in Room 230 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Capacity will be limited to follow social distancing guidelines. All studies will be streamed online from www.oksenate.gov.

For more information, contact: Sen. George Young at 405-521-5531, or email George.Young@oksenate.gov.

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