Rebecca Yanez (OU)
April 15, 2021
The Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature (O.I.L) gaveled in for the 2nd session of the
52nd legislature, with members confidently approaching their second fully virtual session.
The zero and one stars gaze at their screens with wonder in their eyes. This semester is one that will be particularly enthralling with ALU elections, potential technology issues, dance breaks, and several senior goodbyes, it is no doubt that heart strings will be pulled this particular session.
Governor Hickey welcomes guest speaker Shane Jemison, the youngest Chairman of the Oklahoma Republican Party and alumni of O.I.L The second guest speaker, Mauree Turner, the first muslim legislator in Oklahoma and first openly non-binary state legislator in United States history is also an alum of O.I.L. Both speakers discussed the impact O.I.L had on their careers and subsequently, their lives. Jemison described the ways in which O.I.L peaked his interests in political affairs. Representative Turner described the ways in which O.I.L sparked their desire to organize and eventually work with the ACLU.
“That’s a big part of community organizing, it’s answering your community’s call to action,” Turner said, when explaining the reason they chose to run for public office, despite public office not initially being part of their career plans.
Nominations for O.I.L Governor included Attorney General Barnett and Lieutenant Governor nominations included Kurt LeVan. Due to the elections being uncontested, Attorney General Barnett and Kurt LeVan are set to fill the respective roles for the 2021-2022 academic year and their nominations were accepted by acclamation. Hugs were exchanged between those at the capital, specifically LeVan and Senator Parker after nominations were closed.
Virtual session is still intimidating to many, but the O.I.L Leadership team has shown phenomenal coordination and dedication during such uncertain times and this is largely displayed in their opening-joint session. This session, much like last session, will be one that delegates remember for the rest of their lives. O.I.L has successfully become a beacon of hope for many, when it seems like there is not quite as much of it left in the world.