Rose State College Hosts Great Debates Panel on Proposed Cell Phone Ban in Oklahoma Public Schools Published February 7, 2025

Rose State College (RSC) invites the community to its upcoming Great Debates Panel discussion, which will take place on Tuesday, February 13, at 2:00 p.m. in the Tanenbaum Aerospace Cybersecurity Center, room 114. The panel will explore the implications of Senate Bill 139, a proposed law that would prohibit students in Oklahoma public schools from using cell phones during the school day.

Panelists will analyze how cell phones affect student performance, mental health, and discipline, and whether this legislation would bring meaningful improvements in these areas. The discussion will feature a distinguished panel of experts, including:

• Sen. Adam Pugh – Chair, Oklahoma Senate Education Committee
• Dr. Rick Cobb – Superintendent, Mid-Del Public Schools
• Prof. Tara Hall – Professor of Sociology, Rose State College
• Keri Senges-Knutson – Early Career Coach, Edmond Public Schools
• Suzanne Manning – Assistant Principal, Moore West Jr. High School
• Jordan Atcheson – Early Career Coach, Edmond Public Schools

James Davenport, a political science professor and director of the Center for Civic Engagement at RSC, will moderate the discussion.

This event is a joint initiative of the RSC Political Science Program and the Center for Civic Engagement. Community members, students, and educators are encouraged to attend and participate in this critical conversation about education policy and student well-being.