Two University of Central Oklahoma students, Liberty Welch and Maggie Lawson, faced university refusal to support their Shakespearean-inspired play “Boy My Greatness” with school resources, citing legal concerns tied to Oklahoma’s SB 796 law. This law prohibits the use of state funds for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The play, set in the 1600s and focusing on “boy players” who portrayed female roles in Shakespeare’s time, was deemed problematic despite lacking explicit queer terminology. UCO’s theater department, after legal review, decided not to back the production to avoid potential legal issues.

Undeterred, Welch and Lawson launched a GoFundMe campaign to independently finance the play, successfully surpassing their $2,000 goal. They are currently seeking a venue to stage the production, which is scheduled for three weeks from now. The students expressed frustration over the university’s stance but remain committed to bringing their show to audiences outside of official university support.