Michelle in the News

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"An Oklahoma Senate bill that would codify Gov. Kevin Stitt's executive order prohibiting state funds from supporting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at higher education institutions is inching closer to becoming law....The measure passed in the House Postsecondary Education committee 4-2 on Tuesday with Rep. Michelle McCane, D-Tulsa, and Rep. Trish Ranson, D-Stillwater, voting against it."

In a bold stance against the recent ultimatum from the U.S. Department of Education, Rep. Michelle McCane of Tulsa has voiced strong opposition to the threat of revoked school funding over DEI programs.

Representative Michelle McCane criticized the order, calling it an overreach “that amounts to extortion.”

“Oklahoma has already banned DEI programs, making this mandate an unnecessary administrative burden on already overburdened school districts for a political performance by the current administration.”

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Michelle McCane, D-Tulsa, released the following statement after the United States Department of Education ordered all schools K-12 to certify the banning of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs within 10 days or they will lose funding.

McCane says the requirement of compliance within 10 days places unnecessary pressure on schools and jeopardizes critical resources for students.

“Threatening to withhold funding from schools that prioritize inclusion and opportunity is an unacceptable federal overreach which amounts to extortion," said McCane. "Oklahoma has already banned DEI programs making this mandate an unnecessary administrative burden on already overburdened school districts for a political performance by the current administration.”

McCane asserts DEI initiatives play a key role in fostering learning environments that are equitable and free from discrimination as they help prepare students for a diverse workforce and ensure that schools provide necessary resources for all kinds of students.

"As our state works to strengthen its economy, we must recognize that major employers prioritize diversity and inclusion," McCane added. "Dismantling DEI programs in our schools only sets our students back and makes Oklahoma less competitive."

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OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Michelle McCane, D-Tulsa, filed House Resolution 1019 to designate April 2025 as School Library Month.

“School libraries are instrumental in the functions of public schools and in providing students with engaging materials that advance their literary, academic, and technological skills,” McCane said. “School librarians work daily to provide an inclusive and high-quality academic environment for students and their expertise should be celebrated. Studies have shown a strong correlation between school libraries and student achievement. I am proud to use my position in the legislature to designate April 2025 as School Library Month and give school libraries and librarians the recognition they deserve.”

McCane encourages school librarians to visit the Oklahoma State Capitol on Tuesday, April 8th, 2025, to be recognized in the House.

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On Thursday, Rep. Michelle McCane, D-Tulsa, passed HB 1945 unanimously out of the Civil Judiciary Committee. The proposed legislation mandates that landlords, owners, and operators of public lodging, including apartments and hotels with at least five rental units, conduct background screenings on all employees as a condition of employment.

"While we did not get this legislation through committee today, I am encouraged by the bipartisan support seen in committee for this bill and appreciate the Common Education Committee for hearing it," said McCane.

Oklahoma's legislative session for 2025 is underway, and one Tulsa representative wants to expand the Oklahoma Promise program.

Representative Michelle McCane introduced House Bill 1020. It would extend Oklahoma Promise benefits to the children of public school employees.

Rep. Jacob Rosecrants, D-Norman, noted multiple versions of the Bible are available for free online, and Rep. Michelle McCane, D-Tulsa, questioned whether $3 million could be better spent on literacy or early childhood programs.

HB 1018 prohibits unauthorized pelvic examinations on anesthetized or unconscious female patients unless informed written consent is provided. The bill would also provide exceptions if the exam is necessary for a surgical or diagnostic procedure, or the patient is unable to provide consent but the exam is required for their diagnosis or treatment.

The conversation around name, image, and likeness is often about college sports. However, NIL also plays a major role in another rising industry — online content creators. One state lawmaker wants to protect Oklahoma children featured in digital content.