The measure could be on the November ballot. Its critics say it could end affirmative action.

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Supporters of an initiative petition to end preferences filed signatures Monday with the Oklahoma Secretary of State's office.

Critics said if the measure is approved by voters, it would end affirmative action programs.

Supporters filed 22 boxes of sig natures at 4:15 p.m. Monday, the deadline, said Tamra Laxson, a business filing specialist with the Oklahoma Secretary of State's office.

The measure would add a new section to the state constitution.

''The new section prohibits discriminating against or granting preferences to any individual or group on the basis of race, sex, col or, ethnicity, or national origin in public employment, public education, and public contracting by the state or any of its agencies, institutions, or political subdivisions,'' the proposed ballot title says, adding that it would not prohibit actions necessary for the state to obtain federal funding.

The Oklahoma Secretary of State's office will count the signatures.

Supporters need 138,970 signatures.

If supporters have gathered sufficient signatures, a protest period will follow in the Oklahoma Supreme Court.

Notice of intent to seek the signatures was filed by Devin Resides, an Oklahoma City attorney, and the Oklahoma Civil Rights Initiative.

Resides said he did not know specifically

''Oklahomans don't believe in preferences,'' Resides said.

Supporters hope to get the measure on the November ballot, Resides said.

Circulators were careful to comply with state laws in seeking signatures to get the measure on the ballot, Resides said, adding that Oklahoma's laws for circulating are restrictive.

''We were certainly able to gather enough signatures,'' Resides said. ''We are very proud we did that.''

He said those opposed to the petition will be able to express themselves at the ballot box.

Barbara Hoberock (405) 528-2465
barbara.hoberock@tulsaworld.com