On Tuesday, the Oklahoma House approved a bill introduced by an OU alumna, allowing students to wear tribal regalia during high school and university graduation ceremonies.
A bill introduced by an OU alumna allowing students to wear tribal regalia to graduation ceremonies unanimously passed the Oklahoma House Common Education Committee on Tuesday.
In March 2020, unlucky Friday the 13th lived up to its reputation when the overhead speakers at Evergreen High School announced cancelations to upcoming athletic events and an extended Spring Break due to a mysterious illness spreading throughout the country.
Soon-to-be valedictorian Carson Poupore sat in English class during the announcement, which caused the classroom to go âhaywire.â Poupore was oblivious to what was to come due to the unprecedented outbreak. The following August, he enrolled in OU to experience an âunforgettableâ freshman year with virtual learning, socially distanced classrooms and masked faces.
The class of 2024âs first year of college included online learning and limited in-person events. The pandemic forced virtual settings and different approaches to promote engagement for various student organizations and events â like Camp Crimson, Oklahoma Votes and Campus Activities Council.Â
In March, OU honored five Native American ballerinas from Oklahoma with the opening of the Five Moons Lounge in Copeland Hall, which was intended to serve as a source of representation and inspiration for all. OU Native American students, however, said they still feel underrepresented at OU and by education surrounding Native American studies.Â
OU Press Editor Joseph Brandt and OU President William Bizzell sought to construct an American Indian institute at OU, according to the Native American Studies website. Three courses were inaugurated in the 1930s, making OU one of the first universities to make Native American and Indigenous studies a curricular focus.
By: Feliz Romero
Oklahomans between the age of 18 and 34 should be expecting a piece of mail from nonprofit, Grit for Democracy.
“These are the future leaders of our state. If we want our young people to stay here after they go to our colleges and universities, we need them to engage in the democratic process,” said Abby Broyles, the President and Founder of Grit for Democracy.
In a partnership with the state election board, the organization has been raising funds to send 40,000 young Oklahomans voting information. The packet also includes a pre-paid envelope to send in your information to register to vote.