Munson was the first graduate from the program to be elected into office
OKLAHOMA CITY – House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, issued the following statement in response to the elimination of a program aimed toward encouraging women in leadership to hold government and elected office positions. This is because of the Governor’s Executive Order 2023-31.
The program was housed at the University of Oklahoma’s Carl Albert Congressional Research and Studies Center, but collegiate-level students from all across Oklahoma were able to participate.
“This is a devastating loss for women in college and young women across the state. I was the first graduate of the NEW Leadership Program elected into public office, and the elimination of this program means the loss of opportunity for young women like me who want to see themselves represented in politics. The program gave me the opportunity to ask questions and learn from high-level women in politics and gave me a better, more well-rounded understanding of what the political and policy process is like. Women make up under 20% of the Oklahoma Legislature, proving why this program was valuable and needed.
“There is not another program out there that elevates collegiate-level women who want to work in government or hold elected office. It was because of this program that I found hope for a young Asian American woman like myself to run for office. With this program dissolved, I fear for the young women who do not have personal connections to politics and political figures that this program otherwise would have granted them. It was an invaluable experience for me and a main reason I was able to better understand the political process and eventually run for office.
“The elimination of this program is because of the Governor and the Republican supermajority pining for the elimination of Diversity Equity and Inclusion programs. DEI has one main goal, which is to ensure the entire student body can be involved. Institutions are now feeling pressure from Oklahoma Republicans to get rid of these programs and because of this, I am afraid the consequences of this Executive Order will only get worse. For over 20 years, this program has taught women how to be involved in the process and to use their voice. They are about to find out how effective it was.”
