Tulsa’s tech scene remains resilient amid state’s anti DEI efforts

Last month, Oklahoma stood firm against diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), spearheaded by Governor Kevin Stitt. He implemented an executive order to cut funding for DEI programs in public higher education institutions, and prohibited it in other state bodies. Stitt’s justification argued that this step would extract "politics from education" and foster "equal opportunity instead of guaranteeing identical results." Since 2012, the practice of affirmative action has been outlawed within the state. The most recent order does not direct its focus towards student bodies, however, it forbids the allocation of state resources for diversity instruction and requests an assessment of current DEI schemes to eliminate any "non-essential staff members." Oklahoma is emulating Florida, Texas, South Dakota, North Carolina, and Tennessee’s efforts to limit DEI agendas in public universities. However, this is not limited to public colleges; there is a wider anti-DEI sentiment affecting several sectors, including technology, academia, and fashion. Advocates of DEI highlight its potential to promote advancement for all, particularly historically marginalised and disenfranchised communities. Nevertheless, detractors label DEI driven efforts as discriminatory.