Proposed amendment could alter funding for Oklahoma public universities

TULSA, OKLA. (KTUL) — A proposed constitutional amendment could change how public colleges and universities receive state funding.

House Joint Resolution 1037, introduced by Rep. Gabe Woolley, would allow lawmakers to temporarily freeze, suspend or withhold state-appropriated funds.

Woolley said the measure is intended to give Oklahomans more control over taxpayer dollars spent at public universities. “House Joint Resolution 1037 would be putting the hands more directly into the people for funding when it comes to universities,” he said. “These are publicly funded universities and colleges, which means they operate at least partially off of tax dollars.” He added the measure targets policies such as diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, which he believes should not be supported with tax dollars.

“We’ve seen publicly funded universities create spaces for only a certain race and teach DEI, Black Lives Matter ideology and the 1619 Project,” Woolley said. “Americans fought for civil rights so people aren’t treated differently because of their skin color. With this measure, the people of Oklahoma could hold universities accountable and ensure tax dollars aren’t used to promote those ideologies.”

Rep. John Waldron opposes the amendment, arguing it could politicize the university system and threaten academic independence.

“That’s not a responsible way to run a university system,” Waldron said. “They shouldn’t be held hostage to whatever a particular group of legislators believes in a particular term.”

He said stable, long-term funding is essential to maintaining quality education.

“It took us decades, more than a century, to build this system of universities, colleges and community colleges,” Waldron said. “They’re a precious resource, and the people who work in them deserve our support. They don’t deserve politicians threatening them with extinction.”

The measure would not affect tuition, fees or private funds and is eligible for consideration beginning Feb. 2.