Higher education; Academic Loyalty Oath Ban; prohibition of ideological oaths; right of action; effective date; emergency.

HB 1289 bans Oklahoma public universities from requiring applicants, employees, students, or contractors to endorse specific ideologies or provide statements about race, politics, or diversity initiatives (like DEI efforts). It prohibits institutions from forcing such disclosures or using them for preferential treatment in admissions, hiring, or promotions. The bill creates a legal right for affected individuals to sue for injunctive relief, including reinstating jobs, enrollment, or promotions if violated. It explicitly excludes academic research, anti-discrimination compliance requirements, and voluntary disclosures from the ban. The law applies to all institutions within Oklahoma’s public higher education system.