Lawton, OK – Governor Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma has caused a stir following recent comments suggesting that high school students should be required to have a post-graduation plan in order to receive their diploma. In an interview with KOKH Fox 25, Stitt proposed that students must either be accepted into a college, a CareerTech program, or enlist in the military to graduate.
“You’ve got to either be accepted to college, or you have to be accepted into a CareerTech, or you have to be going into the army,” Stitt said. “You have to have some kind of plan post-graduation to go get a great job.”
The Governor’s remarks quickly sparked a national uproar, particularly on social media, with many critics questioning the potential limitations such a requirement would impose on students. Some legislators within the Oklahoma House also voiced concern, fearing that it would narrow students’ post-graduation options and potentially force them into the military.
In response to the backlash, the Governor’s office quickly issued a clarification, emphasizing that Stitt’s comments were taken out of context. Abegail Cave, Director of Communications for the Governor, took to social media platform X to address the confusion. She stated, “To clarify – Gov. Stitt is not suggesting that we mandate military service. He wants to see that every kid graduating from high school has a plan, whether that be college, career tech, military service, or workforce. Don’t believe everything you see on the internet folks.”
The clarification was intended to assure the public that Stitt was not aiming to mandate military service but was advocating for students to have a concrete post-graduation plan in place. This plan, according to the Governor’s office, could include attending college, joining a CareerTech program, pursuing military service, or entering the workforce directly.
Stitt’s comments were part of a broader discussion about education reform in the state. During the interview, the Governor highlighted several initiatives introduced during his time in office, including the introduction of a new financial literacy course, expanded CareerTech credits for high school students, and new high school graduation requirements. These initiatives, Stitt believes, are critical for preparing students for the workforce and ensuring they have the skills needed for future success.
However, not all state lawmakers are on board with Stitt’s vision. Representative Daniel Pae, who represents District 62 in the Oklahoma House, voiced skepticism about the practicality and constitutionality of mandating a post-graduation plan. “Such a mandate is difficult to envision in terms of implementation and constitutionality. I hope the Governor will share more details in his State of the State address,” Pae remarked.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether Governor Stitt will pursue any formal legislation requiring a post-graduation plan. The discussion surrounding his comments has raised important questions about the future of education in Oklahoma and the role of government in shaping students’ career paths after high school.
