All Children Have Right to Public Education
7.26.11
It has been brought to our attention that certain school districts are requiring Social Security Identification for enrollment in K-12 school. It is unlawful to require more than proof of residence (such as a gas or electric bill), immunization forms, & a birth certificate as a condition of enrollment in public schools. It is not required that a birth certificate be from the United States. The birth certificate is simply a means to determine the age of the student. Oklahoma law allows for other forms such as a baptismal or an affidavit to verify proof of age. No public school may legally require a Social Security card.
School administrators cannot deny admission to a student based on his or her immigration status or require parents or students to disclose their immigrant status or social security numbers. Plyler v. Doe, 457 U.S. 202 (1982) In addition, if a district chooses to request a social security number, it shall inform the individual that the disclosure is voluntary, provide the statutory or other basis upon which it is seeking the number, and explain what uses will be made of it. 5 U.S.C. §552a
If your child is denied enrollment please contact the ACLU of Oklahoma at (405) 524-8511 or acluok@acluok.org.
If More >
2011 Gay Pride a Success
6.27.11
The ACLU is proud to announce we had huge turnout for this year’s Pride Parade. We had a total of 42 enthusiastic volunteers march with us this year. Thanks to all the wonderful participants who helped make this year’s Pride a success. Check out some photos of the event below. Don’t hide your pride!
Four of our volunteers showing off their Pride signs
It was so hot on Sunday but totally worth it! We love Pride!
Our intern, Amanda, passing out hand fans to the crowd
This year’s volunteers were so enthusiastic. We loved them all!
Lady Liberty leading the charge for equality
YAY Pride! YAY ACLU!
Sam the intern says, “Don’t Hide Your Pride”
Staff and volunteers looking good
Thanks to Cassidy Chew for making so many awesome signs
ACLU of Oklahoma staff ready to march
We have the greatest interns!
Waiting to march in 100 plus degree weather
The group. Most of us anyway.
Freedom can’t protect itself!
Our State! No hate!
These volunteers have pride
2011 Session Ends With Small Victories
6.15.11
The ACLU began the 2011 session tracking almost 50 bills. Although this number was significantly down from the previous session, the bills introduced this year were more hostile toward civil liberties than in years past. Predictably, bills restricting a woman’s right to choose, blurring the separation of church and state, and demonizing the immigrant community were prevalent through the 1800 bills introduced.
While many other organizations and individuals were concerned by the fundamentally conservative nature of the new administration and agency heads, the affiliate was prepared for the typical neglect toward civil liberties as witnessed in the past. The strategy changed very little this session. Legislative Counsel Tamya Cox, who also serves as the lobbyist, was required to be in the office more this session due to the transition of executive directors. Therefore, Cox focused her attention on bills that lacked an organized effort. She wrote more position papers and provided needed talking points to key legislators.
Mainly anti-immigrant bills and First Amendment restrictions bills became the focus of her efforts. Over 20 anti-immigrant bills were introduced this session. It was expected that an Arizona copy-cat bill would be introduced, and there were several versions introduced. Several bills attempted to More >
Save equal opportunity in Oklahoma
6.14.11
This summer, the ACLU of Oklahoma will be focusing its efforts on saving equal opportunity programs that are at risk of being banned. During the 2011 sessions, the Oklahoma State Legislature approved a measure, if approved by voters in 2012, will disband affirmative action programs across the state. State Question 759, introduced by Sen. Rob Johnson, is a misleading and deceptive attempt to curb programs that have created opportunities for qualified Oklahomans that have been historically withheld.
The language of SQ 759 appears innocuous but the affect will be detrimental to many Oklahomans. The language on the ballots reads:
“This measure amends the Oklahoma Constitution. It adds a new section 36 to Article II. It will not allow special treatment or discrimination based on race or sex in public employment, education or contracts. It gives exceptions for some situations. It sets out remedies for violations.”
The attempt to ban equal opportunity is not new to Oklahoma. In 2008, Oklahoma faced this same issue through an initiative petition. The language was the same and the group behind the action was the same. Ward Connerly, a conservative, rich, African-American, has made it his mission to prohibit such important programs throughout the state. He has More >
Title IX: The Game’s Not Over
7.14.11
Posted by Allie Shinn in Commentary
As the United States Women’s Soccer Team fights their way to the World Cup Gold, we at the ACLU can’t help but be proud of the great strides women have made since Title IX became law. When more women participate in sports and achieve in fields that have traditionally been male dominated, we begin to close the gender gap and pull ourselves closer to equality.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex discrimination in schools. Since its passage, women and girls seeking to participate in athletics have found a path through which to do so. A 2006 study found that since 1972 women’s participation in sports at the collegiate level increased 450%. The same study found that nine times more women participated in high school sports than did in 1972.
Of course, Title IX’s scope reaches further than sports alone. In 1970, women accounted for only 17.5% of bachelor’s degrees granted in natural sciences and engineering. By 2004, the percentage rose to 38.4%. In the year 2000, 65.7% of high school girls took chemistry. Today, more than half of all bachelor’s degrees completed in chemistry are earned by women.
These numbers are inspiring and indicate how important Title IX has More >