Gov. Kevin Stitt signed a bill into law late Wednesday that will require high school graduates in Oklahoma to pass a citizenship test before they can receive their diploma.
House Bill 2030 requires students to correctly answer 60 out of 100 questions found on the United States naturalization test.
Proponents say taking the citizenship test will prevent rioting and looting.
The legislation was authored by Rep. Terry O'Donnell (R-Catoosa). As it was shepherded through the legislative process, he said it would ensure high school graduates are better engaged and be less likely to participate in civil unrest.
The new law also implements some new academic standards. It mandates students study primary documents like the Constitution, Declaration of Independence and Emancipation Proclamation.
Democrats, who opposed the legislation, say students are already exposed to much of this material and it will create an undue burden on educators.
High schoolers will need to begin passing the test to graduate in the 2022-23 school year.
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