Oklahoma House Democratic Leader Rep. Cyndi Munson (D-Oklahoma City) called the closure of the National Education for Women’s Leadership program at the Carl Albert Center “devastating” in a press release Monday.
Last Friday, Director and Curator of the Carl Albert Congressional Research and Studies Center Michael Crespin announced the program would close in compliance with Gov. Kevin Stitt’s December executive order.
On Dec. 13, Stitt signed an executive order calling for a review of diversity, equity and inclusion programming and services in higher education.
Since the executive order, OU’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion department was renamed to the Division of Access and Opportunity. In April, it was announced the Gender + Equality Center will close as a result of the executive order.
Stitt told the Oklahoma Voice the executive order would only ban DEI programs based on race.
“All I said is don’t make it based on race,” Stitt told the Oklahoma Voice. “And I think that lines up with Oklahoma values.”
The National Education for Women’s Leadership program trained over 650 women in political and public service leadership for over 20 years.
Munson, who is the first graduate of the program to hold public office, wrote the program was necessary in creating representation for women in Oklahoma, adding that women make up less than 20% of the Oklahoma Legislature.
According to the United States Census Bureau, 50.1% of Oklahoma’s population is composed of women.
“This is a devastating loss for women in college and young women across the state,” Munson wrote. “I was the first graduate of the NEW Leadership Program elected into public office, and the elimination of this program means the loss of opportunity for young women like me who want to see themselves represented in politics.”
Munson said the National Education for Women’s Leadership program was unique and elevated college women into government.
“It was because of this program that I found hope for a young Asian American woman like myself to run for office,” Munson wrote. “With this program dissolved, I fear for the young women who do not have personal connections to politics and political figures that this program otherwise would have granted them. It was an invaluable experience for me and a main reason I was able to better understand the political process and eventually run for office.”
Munson wrote DEI allows an entire student body to be involved. She added its removal will have unseen repercussions.
“Institutions are now feeling pressure from Oklahoma Republicans to get rid of these programs and because of this, I am afraid the consequences of this Executive Order will only get worse,” Munson wrote. “For over 20 years, this program has taught women how to be involved in the process and to use their voice.
“They are about to find out how effective it was.”
This article was edited by Ismael Lele, Anusha Fathepure and Peggy Dodd.
