U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon visited Oklahoma City and Tulsa as part of her Returning Education to the States Tour. During her visit, she joined Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt at Dove Science Academy, a public charter school, for a literacy roundtable. The event also included the signing of SB 796, a new law that prohibits state-funded institutions in the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education from using resources to support or require certain diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) activities.
Secretary McMahon later toured Vanguard Academy in Tulsa with U.S. Representative Kevin Hern. Vanguard Academy is known for its focus on project-based learning and STEM education for high school students.
“Oklahoma is proving the value of returning education to the states, with schools that emphasize literacy and equip students with what they need to succeed in the workforce,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “That same commitment to students is reflected in the state’s new law ending DEI mandates – ensuring education is grounded in merit, not radical ideology. It was encouraging to be in the Sooner State to support this important step toward state-driven education reform.”
“I want every Oklahoma student to graduate college ready or career ready,” said Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt. “Secretary McMahon’s dedication to returning education policy to the states makes it easier to align our school systems with workforce needs. I’m thankful for an administration that is putting parents and students first.”
