Latest news with #Boren
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Public school parent-led group provides social studies curriculum opt-out form
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – An Oklahoma public school parent-led group is providing easy access to forms that other parents can fill out with the intent of opting their children out of new controversial social studies standards curriculum. News 4 has covered the revised standards extensively, which were given the go-ahead by the Oklahoma State Board of Education in February, with a majority vote. The standards feature an increased use of the Bible in the classroom, and also tell students to examine 'discrepancies in the 2020 election,' which has seen a mix of praise and criticism. Some lawmakers questioned the contents of the social studies standards. They have said the proposed curriculum was factually inaccurate on several topics, including the 2020 election and the COVID pandemic. Legislators have also said the standards contain subjects that were not age-appropriate for each grade level. Legislative leaders allowed the standards to take effect regardless of those complaints. Lawmakers will not consider resolution to stop proposed controversial social studies standards 'It leaves a lot of room for teaching what a person's personal beliefs are for the teachers versus actual fact-based curriculum,' said Saralynn Boren, with 'We're Oklahoma Education.' Boren describes the group as being primarily led by Oklahoma parents, but says it has educators, grandparents, and other public education stakeholders involved across Oklahoma as well. She described the group as non-partisan, and said they come together from both sides of the aisle to advocate for inclusive public education. Boren said the group first started creating opt-out letters to address content from conservative media group, PragerU. The letters have now been modified to address the new social studies standards. 'They're pushing ideologies that all parents aren't going to agree with, all students aren't going to agree with. And that's what we want to give parents the option to opt out of,' said Boren. State Superintendent Ryan Walters addressed efforts to opt out of the standards during a May 22 news conference, calling the effort 'concerning' when it comes to teaching students American History. 'What we're trying to do is give your kid an understanding of history in America, where America came from, what beliefs influenced those individuals so that then they can understand American history,' said Walters. Boren pointed out that Oklahoma already allows parents, by law, the opportunity to opt out of instruction that may violate their moral or religious beliefs. 'It's something that the conservatives pushed for saying this parent bill of rights, that parents should have the right to have a say in their students education, and it's the same for all parents,' said Boren. Walters said Tuesday that while the effort was something he wished parents wouldn't do, he would continue to protect their ability to do what they thought was best for their kids. 'If he wants to talk about championing parents' rights, that he needs to understand that there are other parents that don't always agree with his right-wing ideologies,' said Boren. It's an effort that may or may not prove to be necessary, with an Oklahoma County District judge set to consider Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. whether to grant an injunction on the social studies standards, which could block them entirely or allow them to move forward. News 4 reached out to an OSDE spokesperson Tuesday for clarification on whether the opt-out forms are enforceable, but didn't hear back. The forms can be found here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lawmakers pass Reindustrialize Oklahoma Act to help fund aluminum smelting plant
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — After the announcement that a $4 billion aluminum smelting plant was headed to northeast Oklahoma, lawmakers passed a bill that would give millions of dollars in incentives. 'It's the first smelter, aluminum smelter company, or factor manufacturer that's been built in the United States in 45 years,' said Gov. Stitt on Wednesday. Emirates Global Aluminum (EGA) is the manufacturer that the act is aimed at. Oklahoma entered into an agreement with one of the world's largest aluminum manufacturers to build a production plant in northeast Oklahoma, which is expected to create an estimated 2,800 new jobs. According to the Governor's Office, the $4 billion project with EGA would create 1,000 direct jobs and 1,800 indirect jobs. Lawmakers discussed the pros and cons on the floor when voting for the act. When all is said and done, the plant will get over $800 million in state dollars or around that amount of money. 'I think Oklahoma could have gotten a better deal,' said Senator Mary Boren (D-Norman). Senator Boren said that the state is investing a lot of money in a plant that will end up providing more money for the entire country. Aluminum smelting has been known to be a serious water and air polluter, but Senator Boren said that EGA and its country are aligned with the Paris Climate Agreement. 'Senator Kirt asked representatives if they're going to follow Oklahoma standards or are they going to continue to follow the standards that they're business has for environmental priorities. They looked in a somewhat horrified way, 'why would we ever reduce our standards, that we take a lot of pride in,'' said Senator Boren. Agreement reached to bring major aluminum plant to Oklahoma EGA is the world's largest premium aluminum producer. According to the act, they wouldn't get money until they hired 700 people in the first year and then 1,000 continually. Over on the House floor, when questioning the act, lawmakers asked about the priorities the manufacturer has shined a light on. According to EGA's website, one of their goals is to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and another is diversity. Diversity, equity, and inclusion has been a hot-button topic on the House and Senate floor in Oklahoma. The Chief Executive Officer for EGA, Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, has said, 'Diversity drives business performance, and is also the right thing for society. Heavy industry is traditionally male-dominated, and our goal is to change that.' On the House floor, Rep. Forrest Bennet (D-OKC) asked Rep. Mike Osburn (R-Edmond) if he knew that the manufacturer prioritized diversity and if it would be a problem with them in the future for potential contracts. 'I don't know the answer to that,' said Rep. Osburn. 'This is a historic day for Oklahoma,' said Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton (R-Tuttle). 'With the passage of the Reindustrialize Oklahoma Act, we are sending a clear message to the world – Oklahoma is open for business and ready to lead the next era of American manufacturing. ROA-25 gives our state a powerful tool to compete for high-impact investments that bring long-term jobs, economic growth, and prosperity to our citizens. This is a smart, pro-economic development policy that only rewards real performance. There is no upfront giveaway. Companies must deliver major private investment and create jobs before any rebates are issued. It's a win-win for Oklahoma workers and our economic future.' Construction is expected to begin in 2026, and production is expected to start between the end of 2029 and the beginning of 2030. The full agreement can be read here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘One of the most impactful Oklahomans ever': Public service held for David Boren
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – A public service for former Oklahoma Governor and OU President David Boren was held at an Oklahoma City church Saturday. The service, held at St. Luke's Methodist Church, saw hundreds of Oklahomans showing up to honor the legacy Boren left behind. Boren died February 20 at 83-years-old. 'Slap in the face': Firefighters react to Gov. Stitt firing state forester 'There is a great hole in the heart and soul of Oklahoma today… We would have wanted to have him around for another 10 or 15 years, but fate has chosen to take him from our state,' said Bob Burke, a longtime friend and spokesman for the Boren family at the time. 'I think David's family has been expecting this for several weeks.' Faith leaders noted during the service Saturday a private service was held in his hometown of Seminole weeks ago, but organizers wanted to give the public an opportunity to pay tribute as well. Boren's political career began in 1966 when he was elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives. He'd go on to become Oklahoma's 21st Governor and then he represented our state in the U.S. Senate, serving in Congress from 1979 until 1994. Boren then made his way to Norman, serving as OU's President for more than two decades. Oklahoma mourns loss of former Governor David Boren 'He was a consequential Oklahoman,' said Glen Johnson, former Oklahoma House Speaker. 'No one else in the history of our state has served as a state representative, governor of our state, a United States senator and president of the University of Oklahoma for 24 years. He brought leadership. He brought vision. He brought character to each of those roles.' Johnson also referred to Boren as 'one of the most impactful Oklahomans ever.' Plenty of Boren's friends and former colleagues were willing to speak with News 4 about Boren; saying those who truly knew him loved and respected him. 'We had a lot of laughs,' said former Oklahoma U.S. Senator Don Nickles. 'We had a lot of fun and I think we did a lot of good.' Nickles particularly praised Boren's ability to promote bi-partisanship, saying he was an expert at crossing the aisle as a Democrat to work cooperatively with Democrats like himself. He said that himself and Boren had never had cross words, and that politics has gotten away from relationships like those in more recent years. News 4 also spoke with Sean Burrage, Chancellor of Oklahoma's State Regents For Higher Education. Burrage said that he worked in Boren's office while they both worked in Washington D.C. He said he doesn't imagine he would have made the transition into education without Boren's guidance, something Boren didn't have to offer. 'This is a guy who could have made millions of dollars doing anything he wanted to do,' said Burrage. 'He dedicated his life to the state of Oklahoma.' Boren's family shared in a program for the service that they are thankful to all of those who have expressed their condolences through phone calls, text messages, e-mails, cards and public statements. 'Oklahomans know how much David Boren loved Oklahoma-and them,' part of the program said. In lieu of flowers, Boren's family asks that friends consider donations to his scholarship fund at East Central University Foundation in Ada. You can find more information regarding online donations here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Boren praised for his political and academic skill during memorial service Saturday
Depending on who you asked, the late David Boren was either a skilled, centrist Democrat with big ideas who navigated the United States Senate easily, a governor who had no problem pushing back against the old guard, a back-row state Representative who spent his first couple of years in office learning the political ropes, a smart, dedicated university professor. Or the man who charted a new trajectory for the University of Oklahoma. That was the consensus Saturday afternoon, during a memorial service for Boren at St. Luke's Methodist Church in Oklahoma City. Boren died at home, February 20. A short time later he was buried in a private ceremony in Seminole. Saturday's memorial service was a chance for the public – and the state's politically elite – to come together and remember Boren's career. Two former governors, a retired United States Senator, a Oklahoma Supreme Court justice and dozens of Boren's former staff members, from his time in the Senate and from his tenure at OU, were among the hundreds who attended. The service also featured music, prayers and a look at Boren's life presented by two different pastors, Robert E. Long and Rev. David Spain. Former Governor David Walters, a Democrat, said he didn't expect to see another leader like Boren for quite a while. "He had such direct involvement, and, given the permissive nature of partisan politics, it will be a long time before we have someone who is able to survive that many levels of public service successfully as he did," Walters said. Walters said Boren did many things well. "Every time you talked to David Boren, his entire thought process was filled with big ideas," he said. "So, I think his manner of thinking constantly about big ideas was a great strength he brought to the institutions that he served." Like Walters, Sean Burrage, the state Chancellor for Higher Education, said Boren had a rare political gift and was skilled at inspiring people to take up public service. "My most meaningful lesson was that the most meaningful work was that of public service," Burrage said. Burrage said Boren taught him that lesson when he served as an intern when Boren was in the United States Senate. During a trip when Burrage was driving for Boren, he said Boren told him that the work that mattered was work for others. "I realized, later, that it is what matters," he said. While Boren's public service work was well known, it was his dedication to education and his fight to make sure everyone got a chance at education that set Boren apart, said former University of Oklahoma Professor Keith Gaddie. "David Boren was a warrior for thought and education," Gaddie said. Though Boren was well known for his political skill and his efforts at the University of Oklahoma, one colleague said Boren was, simply, a good friend. Former House Speaker Glen Johnson − who later served as Chancellor for Higher Education − said his family and Boren's family had a long history. In fact, Boren's father faced off against Johnson's father in a congressional race in 1946. "We've been close friends for a long time," Johnson said. Johnson said the friendship so solid that when Johnson got married in summer of 1993 the only person he wanted as his best man was David Boren. "Our families go back a long way," Johnson said. "And he (Boren) is clearly a mentor of mine. By the time I ran for the House the first time, in 1982, he'd been in the Senate for about four years." Boren, Johnson said, "was always helpful." He said the friendship continue to grow, and Johnson learned that Boren knew and liked his fiancée, Melinda. "About the time we got engaged, I asked him (Boren) if he would be the best man and he said, 'absolutely,'" Johnson said. "He said he would get back for an many of the pre-engagement events as he could -- and they did," he said. Johnson and Melinda would marry in July of 1993. The fact that Boren − a sitting U.S. Senator − was willing to serve as his best man, Johnson said, was simply an honor. "He's always been just a really, really good friend," he said. "I don't think anyone was surprised that he would be my best man." Born in 1941, Boren was the son of Lyle H and Christine McKown Boren. In 1963 he graduated in the top 1% of his class at Yale University with a degree in American history. Two years later, he earned a master's degree in politics, philosophy and economics from Oxford University in England. Boren served as a professor at Oklahoma Baptist University, later in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, as governor, as United States Senator and, finally, as president of the University of Oklahoma. In 1968, Boren graduated from the University of Oklahoma's College of Law. That same year, Boren married Janna Lou Little. The couple had two children but divorced in 1975. In 1977, midway though his term as governor, Boren married Molly Shi, a special district judge. Boren, Johnson said, was a rare contribution to state politics. "If you look at every one of this positions, he excelled," Johnson said. "Even as a young state representative, he would go against the grain, against the crowd, if he thought it was the right thing to do. It was all very natural. He could take information, synthesize it and turn around and present it to a legislative committee and be the expert on the subject. With him, it was natural." This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: David Boren praised by many at memorial service Saturday
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Wild mushrooms, onions or pecans? Foraging bill passes State Senate unanimously
A bill that would allow Oklahomans to forage for wild growing food on state property has passed the Oklahoma senate unanimously and now makes its way to the House for reconciliation and a possible trip to the governor's desk. Senate Bill 447's house author is Danny Sterling, who joined forces with Norman Senator Mary Boren. After passing the Senate, the bill will go back to the House. If no amendments are added, it will go on to Governor Kevin Stitt's desk. Senate co-author Boren, of Norman, said an adventure of her elderly mother–led her to file the bill. While out at Lake Thunderbird with Boren's mother-in-law, the two happened upon pecans growing wild at the park and they picked some up to bring home. That's when the park ranger told them they were breaking the law. 'The park ranger came up and kind of scolded them, and said, 'Y'all aren't supposed to be doing that,' Boren said. 'They talked themselves out of getting in trouble and kept the pecans, and they came home and with a little sparkle in their eye telling this story of how naughty they were for picking up pecans. But that got me thinking…Surely that's not really a law that people can't pick up pecans at a state park.' Turns out, it is generally against the law to forage for wild food at state parks, wildlife areas, or other state property, no matter how plump those persimmons, how green that poke salat is, or how savory those wild onions. Folks are mostly not allowed to pick them up. So, they tried a bill that would allow 'harvesting' wild foods, but it ran into trouble. Harvesting suggested equipment, combines, commercial operations. Probably not what her mother was trying to accomplish at Lake Thunderbird with the pecans. Instead, they tried a different word, 'forage,' which seems to fit the meaning. 'I wanted foraging to be legal. I didn't want harvesting, so I changed the bill,' Boren said. 'Then we defined what forage meant and it was just basically not for commercial purposes and you know, what one person could take.' This version went through the agricultural committee and the wildlife department. There were rules suggested that proper clothing be worn so foragers wouldn't get shot by turkey hunters; the kinds of things a country-oriented bill ought to be. They also ran into a 'morel' issue. 'Morel mushrooms come out right after turkey season,' Boren said. 'They were concerned that morel mushroom hunters would disrupt turkey nests and habitats because I guess they start nesting right after turkey season. They were also concerned about just foraging during deer season and all of that.' Rules were added not allowing foraging on prison grounds or the side of the interstate. Senator Julie McIntosh, a physician, asked Boren a question about the bill. 'She said, why don't you have fungi?' Boren said. 'I intended for mushrooms to be included and I just thought that they were under the definition of plants. Then she goes, 'Oh no. They are fungi.' and then I asked Siri, I said, 'Hey, Siri, are mushrooms, plants?' Nope, it's fungi. And so I amended my bill to include that word.' And the bill passed. Boren said she hopes that the bill will get a good reaction from Stitt's office. Wild foods are part of life in Oklahoma, she said. For instance, there's the staffer who has the Seminole recipe for wild onions. There are those who love to go pick blackberries, or 'dewberries' in the spring. Persimmons. Poke salat. 'Because just like the story about my mother and my mother-in-law, their story of going and getting pecans, people have stories of going out on horses and looking for blackberries and going out and looking for peaches and all kinds of really neat stories,' Boren said.
