Higher education; directing institution of higher education governing boards to ensure certain actions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion do not occur. Effective date. Emergency.

SB 845 prohibits Oklahoma public university governing boards from establishing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices, requiring DEI statements for hiring, or providing race-based preferences in employment or admissions. It mandates institutions to cease all DEI-related activities except those explicitly exempt (like academic instruction, research, or student organizations) and requires annual compliance reports before receiving state funding. Institutions must also undergo state audits to ensure no funds are spent violating the bill, with failure to comply risking loss of future funding increases. The law specifically exempts efforts supporting first-generation or low-income students, accreditation reporting, and compliance with antidiscrimination laws.