SECTION 210:1-3-5. Civil Rights

(a)   The State Board believes it is essential for the education process to include cultural awareness and sensitivity for a school age population which reflects diverse backgrounds, races, cultures and attitudes. [70-1210.201]

(b)   In relation to women's equity, the State Board of Education policy is one expressing support and commitment to increasing the number of women in educational administration in the public schools of Oklahoma, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities under its supervision, and providing technical assistance and staff improvement activities for state and local education agency staffs to comply with desegregation and affirmative action requirements. Furthermore, as stated in the Affirmative Action Plan, the State Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, handicap, or status as a veteran in the employment of personnel, provision of services, use of facilities, organization of group activities, and other similar benefits in any of its programs, policies or practices. It further assures that no new commitments for federal financial assistance under such programs will be made to school districts unless an assurance of compliance, a court order, or a plan of desegregation has been filed.

(c)   The compliance documents enumerate methods of administration to assure compliance and list procedures for evaluating and handling complaints filed with the Board.