Oklahoma Constitution Article XXI: PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS
Oklahoma Constitution – Article XXI: Public Institutions
Article XXI of the Oklahoma Constitution addresses the establishment, governance, and responsibilities of various public institutions in the state, such as those for education, health, and care of specific populations. Below is a summary of its key sections:
Section 1: Educational Institutions
Institutions like the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Langston University, and others were designated as permanent institutions of the state.
The Legislature is empowered to maintain, support, and regulate these institutions.
Section 2: Governance
The control and management of each public institution is placed under a Board of Regents or Trustees.
These boards are appointed and regulated as prescribed by law.
Section 3: Institutions for the Care of Specific Populations
Institutions for the deaf, blind, orphans, mentally ill, and others with special needs must be established and maintained.
These institutions are to be nonsectarian (not affiliated with any religion).
Section 4: Reformatories
The state is required to establish reformatories for juvenile offenders, separate from adult prisons.
The goal is to reform and educate rather than punish.
Section 5: Hospitals and Asylums
Provision is made for state hospitals and asylums, including the care of the indigent sick and those with mental illness.
Counties may also maintain such institutions under state supervision.
Section 6: Segregation and Equality (Historical Context)
Some original language regarding racial segregation in institutions was included but is no longer legally valid or enforceable due to federal civil rights laws and constitutional rulings.
Section 7: Funding
The Legislature is empowered to provide funding through appropriations or land grants to support public institutions.
Section 8: Location of Institutions
The Constitution designates locations for some key institutions (e.g., Norman for the University of Oklahoma, Stillwater for OSU), but the Legislature can reorganize or consolidate as needed.
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