Latest news with #OSBE
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Most comments submitted opposed to OSBE Social Studies standards
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – News 4 received the public comments submitted regarding the new Oklahoma State Board of Education social studies standards, and only one comment was in support of them. As first reported by Non-Doc, changes were made to the social studies standards after the board approved them which now directs teachers and students toward debunked theories of voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election. Non-Doc found that revisions were made following a December and January public comment period that received no acknowledgment or discussion at the Feb. 27 OSBE meeting. Controversial Oklahoma Academic Standards head to legislators The newly appointed, by Governor Stitt, board members asked at that meeting if they could see those comments but then approved the standards anyway. The standards leaned heavily into Christianity which received a lot of pushback. However, for some reason, only ten comments were submitted by email during the public comment period. Of those ten, only one supported the standards before the recent changes. It's important to note that the board members said during the last OSBE meeting that they hadn't gotten a chance to see the public comments. But they voted to approve the standards anyway. One commenter opposed said, 'I want to voice my thoughts about the new rules Mr. Walters is wanting to impose on our children. I object to the requirement of teaching anything related to any religion, including Christianity in public school. I don't want my grandchildren, who live with me, taught Bible verses in their Social Studies or History classes. These children get their religious education from church, not public school.' Another commenter who was opposed said, 'I am a practicing Christian whose child attends an Edmond public high school. I question the coherency of some of the new social studies standards, including, for example, comparing Christian charity (a religious virtue) against communism (a political theory). That discordance is the natural result of trying to fit a square peg (theology) into a round hole (history). Or as Jesus said, 'render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's.' Mark 12:17 and Matthew 22:21.' Reverend Daniel Ross of the Christ Lutheran Church in Mustang was another public commenter who News 4 interviewed. 'I am a conservative Christian. It's very, very open-ended and touches on church doctrine and not just how the Bible influences culture,' said Rev. Ross. 'I feel like we should let the Church teach the Christianity and keep the state out of it.' News 4 also interviewed the one public commenter who was in support of the standards, Wade Burleson of Istoria Ministries. He said that Biblical morality should be taught in the classrooms. 'I am all for them,' said Burleson. 'You're not teaching them religion, you're teaching them what our founding fathers called Natural Law.' But can't you teach that without using the Bible? You did that just now with me and without referencing any verses. 'Okay, great point. I'm saying as we began as a country, the Bible was everything,' said Burleson. Reverend Ross in his public comment he submitted brought up his concerns around potential court costs that could come if the standards are approved. 'And those would come back on the taxpayer,' said Rev. Ross. One point that Burleson brought up, is that he said liberal activists have been the ones fighting against putting the religious-leaning standards into schools. 'It's those liberal activists who want to use judges and the courts to overturn the rule of law. The day of reckoning is coming,' said Burleson. Stitt-appointed OSBE members clash with Supt. Walters However, many of the public comments submitted for the standards who were opposed said that they were Christians. Rev. Ross stated that he is even a Christian Conservative. Another person opposed, who submitted a comment, wrote, 'I am writing this as a concerned teacher and citizen of Oklahoma. I have already made my comments on the form provided by the state regarding the proposed social studies standards, but I will reiterate them here: Implementing the Bible in coursework is a grave mistake. This book does not hold historical accuracy. There are FAR too many versions of it for the information to remain consistent. Teaching history from a Biblical perspective is harmful and dangerous, as this can be a tool of indoctrination. Additionally, the multiple mention of standards excusing historical crimes and actions is equally abhorrent. Including the 'context' and 'situation' of that time period to excuse bigotry and violence is absolutely ridiculous.' The standards with the latest additions are in the hands of lawmakers who have around a week to act on them. Senate Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton was asked by Non-Doc reporter Tres Savage at a media availability last week if he thought the 2020 Presidential election was valid and the results were legitimate. 'He (former President Biden) became president for four years so I guess it was legitimate enough for him to be put into office,' responded Senate Pro Tem Paxton. If the standards are approved they will be in place for the next six years. News 4 reached out to OSDE to find out if all of the board members have had a chance to look at the public comments since they voted to approve. OSDE had no comment. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
USA Today
25-02-2025
- Politics
- USA Today
Walters requests AG opinion on impact of Trump immigration order on Oklahoma schools
Walters requests AG opinion on impact of Trump immigration order on Oklahoma schools Show Caption Hide Caption Hundreds protest proposed Oklahoma immigration rules during OSBE meeting The year's first Oklahoma State Board of Education meeting was held simultaneously, led by Ryan Walters who has proposed several immigration-related rules. Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters requested a formal opinion from Attorney General Gentner Drummond about the impact of Trump's executive order on federally funded schools. The request comes amidst political tension as Drummond has announced his candidacy for governor, a position Walters is also considering. State schools Superintendent Ryan Walters has requested a formal opinion from Attorney General Gentner Drummond regarding the impact of President Donald Trump's recent executive order on federally funded public school programs in Oklahoma. Walters announced his request in a press release issued Monday afternoon. As an elected state official, Walters does have the authority to make such a request, 'and we will respond in due course,' said Phil Bacharach, a spokesman for Drummond. 'I am fully committed to ensuring that Oklahoma is a strong partner in advancing President Trump's agenda for public education,' Walters said in a statement. 'Taxpayer dollars should be used to support the education of American students, not to subsidize or create a magnet for illegal immigration. We must ensure compliance with the President's executive order and take the necessary steps to uphold the rule of law in our schools.' Walters cites an executive order issued on Feb. 19, which he said directs federal agencies 'to identify and correct programs' that might allow undocumented residents to receive public benefits.' Walters said some Oklahoma public-school services, including those funded with federal Title I money, school nutrition programs and English language proficiency programs, receive federal funding and thus could fall under Trump's order. The superintendent asks two questions to Drummond in his request for an official opinion – does the order affect federally funded school programs in Oklahoma, and if it does, what steps should the Oklahoma State Department of Education take to comply with it? Walters' request asks Drummond to opine on matters of federal law, while state attorneys general usually focus more on state law. In Oklahoma, an attorney general's formal opinion holds the force of law, absent a court ruling. The request also comes against a complicated political backdrop between the two Republicans. Drummond already has declared his candidacy to become governor and Walters is mentioned as a potential rival for that job, even though Walters hasn't announced his candidacy for the 2026 election. The two often have been at odds, including over potential violations of the Oklahoma Open Meetings Act during state Board of Education meetings led by Walters. Walters is pressing for legislative approval of an agency administrative rule that would allow the agency he leads, the Oklahoma State Department of Education, not just to ask for the immigration status of students, but of their parents, as well In a 1982 U.S. Supreme Court ruling, Plyler v. Doe, the court said all students had the right to enroll in public schools without regard to the immigration status of themselves or their parents or guardians. Walters has told cable network NewsNation that the Supreme Court 'got it wrong' in that decision. Walters has also publicly said he would support federal immigration raids on Oklahoma schools. He has sidestepped answering questions about the emotional and mental affect those raids might have on Oklahoma schoolchildren.
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Oklahoma AG Drummond to OSBE appointees: 'You must act independently'
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond sent a letter to the three new State Board of Education appointees on Wednesday, urging them to 'act independently' from Governor Kevin Stitt and State Superintendent Ryan Walters. Drummond's letter comes after Stitt announced on Tuesday that he would be replacing three OSBE members in response to failing test scores and 'needless political drama' surrounding Walters. Stitt later pointed to Walters' push to count undocumented students and allow Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) into schools as another reason for the board shake-up. While Drummond supported the new appointments, he says Stitt's past poor judgment has enabled Walters and his agenda. 'This is getting ridiculous': Governor Stitt calls out Superintendent Walters, says enough is enough 'While I welcome the Governor's apparent 'shake-up' of the Board, this action is only necessary because of Gov. Stitt's extremely poor judgment in appointing, promoting and then endorsing Ryan Walters and his anti-public schools agenda,' Drummond says in the letter. 'As a new board member, you must act independently of Gov. Stitt and Superintendent Walters. The oath of office you take is to the Constitution and Oklahoma law.' The full letter can be read below. Letter-to-SBE-MembersDownload Walters responded to Drummond's letter on Thursday. 'Liberal Gentner Drummond needs to stop pretending to be Governor and start doing his job. The Democrat Hofmeister era of failing schools and woke nonsense is OVER. Teachers' unions have a new ally in Drummond to support their corruption and undermining of our schools. Drummond is too busy playing politics and trying to please the swamp while we're delivering real results for parents and kids. Weak leadership won't stop us—we're making Oklahoma schools GREAT again!' State Superintendent Ryan Walters The three OSBE appointees must be approved by the Oklahoma Senate. The expected date for their confirmation is currently unknown. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
'This is getting ridiculous': Governor Stitt calls out Superintendent Walters, says enough is enough
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Governor Kevin Stitt said on Wednesday he's had enough of the political drama surrounding Superintendent Ryan Walters, especially his proposed rule counting undocumented students. 'I guess it's when you're picking on kids, I guess when you're using them as political pawns, this is getting ridiculous,' said Stitt to press on Wednesday afternoon. On Tuesday, the governor announced his nominations for three new Oklahoma State Board of Education members to replace three current ones. Stitt's response as to why pointed at failing test scores and 'needless political drama.' But later Tuesday night at a State Chamber Dinner, he announced another reason why—the potential of counting undocumented students. 'Collecting six, seven, eight-year-old kids' addresses and immigration status in the state of Oklahoma. It's not a public safety issue. Let's go after the bad guys,' said Governor Stitt. For almost two years there has been 'drama' popping up within the OSDE building surrounding Superintendent Walters. There have also been thousands of dollars spent through litigation, questions surrounding funding, and other situations. When we asked the governor for a response in the past to moves made by Walters he chose to stay out of it and said 'the people chose him.' This time, he said the line was crossed when the potential came to count undocumented students. 'Needless political drama': Gov. Stitt announces new nominations to OSBE 'When you think about the outcomes and you think about where our kids are compared to other states, we're not doing as well as we should. And so we have to get that fixed and we've got to make sure that kids are learning in the classrooms,' said Gov. Stitt. He pointed to failing test scores and the fact that Oklahoma remains at the bottom of many lists that compare the state's education results. News 4 reached out to a spokesperson for OSDE on Wednesday to ask for a response to the failing test scores as well as the fact that Walters has gone on several national news TV shows, how that could come off as 'needless political drama.' The spokesperson sent News 4 a statement in response: 'I'm surprised the Governor is willing to pay $450 million towards illegal immigrants in Oklahoma. Not only is the Governor ignoring a mandate from the President Trump, he's going against the will of Oklahomans.' Stitt's three OSBE nominees are Michael Tinney, Ryan Deatherage, and Chris Van Denhende. Tinney is a metro attorney whose wife is a director for Professional Oklahoma Educators. Deatherage is a director of Emergency Management for Kingfisher County. Van Denhende was with the Regional University System of Oklahoma. We reached out on Wednesday to see if he resigned but haven't heard back. Legal experts say OSDE citizenship rule likely to face lawsuits Attorney General Getner Drummond, who tweeted through his Governor candidate page, responded to the whole ordeal by agreeing with Walters essentially. Governor Stitt responded and said, 'These guys are running for their next office. They're playing politics, trying to get their names in the paper. And Oklahomans can see right through it. I think that's why Oklahomans hate politicians so much because do the job you're elected to do. That's what drives me crazy. You run to get your job and then you end up running for the next deal.' Walters also announced a new DOGE type of educational group on Wednesday that contained two of the members being considered to be replaced, Kendra Wesson and Katie Quebedeaux. The education group will be called Trump Advisory Committee but it's unknown what the group will be doing or if taxpayer dollars will be used to fund it. The press release just mentioned: 'The Trump Advisory Committee is not here to play politics,' said Walters. 'We are here to fight on behalf of the hearts, minds, and souls of Oklahoma Students, their families, and our educators. The weak will be exposed. The corrupt will be held accountable. And Oklahoma's children will finally have access to the educational journey they deserve.' Walters and Stitt were listed in a grand jury report released last year, a 31-page report detailing 'irresponsible, disappointing and indefensible' oversight in pandemic-era federal education funds. The three nominees still need to pass through the Senate before being confirmed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Lawmakers: Concerns from business leaders may have contributed to state education leadership shakeup
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Current and former state lawmakers say they're happy to see Gov. Kevin Stitt remove three members of the Oklahoma State Board of Education on Tuesday, telling News 4, in their opinion, the Board and State Superintendent Ryan Walters have caused major damage to Oklahoma's reputation among business leaders. Stitt announced he would be replacing three of the five members of the Oklahoma State Board of Education (OSBE) in a news release on Tuesday morning. 'Needless political drama': Gov. Stitt announces new nominations to OSBE In the release, Stitt said he made the move because Oklahoma students' test scores have dropped and he believes the board has become too politicized, causing too many distractions.'Nothing is more important than ensuring Oklahoma kids have the best education possible,' Stitt said in the release. 'After months of headlines followed by disappointing NAEP scores this month, it's clear that our education infrastructure has fallen prey to needless political drama.' All OSBE members are appointed by the governor. The three members Stitt chose to remove on Tuesday were all his appointees. The OSBE exists to serve oversight over the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) and the Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Since State Superintendent Ryan Walters took office in 2023, OSBE members have rarely opposed his plans, nearly always voting in favor of them without much debate. News 4 has reported that board members green-lit some of Walters' more controversial policies, including the revocation of certain teachers' teaching certificates, approving his request of the legislature to provide $3 million to purchase Bibles to place in public school classrooms, and approving several controversial new administrative Republican State Rep. Mark McBride, a frequent critic of Walters, said he believes the board has enabled Walters to do real damage to Oklahoma's education system.'From the Bibles to… the rulemaking authority that he supposedly thinks he has, supporting that and backing that agenda and just all of his crazy agendas that that he's had,' McBride and State Sen. Mary Boren (D-Norman) both told News 4 that Walters and the board's leadership have raised concerns among business leaders, who tell them the state education system's reputation gives them pause about locating in Oklahoma.'Every one of them is very concerned about education, Oklahoma, about bringing new people in for new jobs,' McBride said.'All of the negative press that we've been getting through the State Department of Education and Ryan Walters has really impeded the ability of those that want to attract business to Oklahoma,' Boren said. State lawmaker wants new requirements to run for State Superintendent Stitt seemed to share those concerns in his news release on Tuesday, writing: 'If we want to be the best state for business, we need to make sure our kids have a path to success. It's time for some fresh eyes and a renewed focus on our top ten goals.'Additionally, News 4 confirmed on Tuesday that OSDE and its communications director, Dan Isett, parted ways on Monday. Boren said many legislators had grown frustrated with Isett, who she says often failed to communicate and share information with them.'There's not a person over at the State Department of Education that I can feel comfortable reaching out to,' Boren said. 'And the kind of communication that we get from them is filtered through folks like Dan. And so there needed to be a change in heart and a change in attitude from the State Department of Education.'Boren said the timing of Stitt's decision to shake up OSBE raises some questions for her. She says, recently, legislators have raised bipartisan concerns over Stitt's priority to expand the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit—a program that gives state money to families to send their children to private said lawmakers have been hesitant to expand the program if Walters and the current state school board remained in charge and continued to go unchecked.'I do think everybody is tired of the drama, like his statement said, but I hope it's not a pretext for some kind of other deal that's being transacted in order to increase vouchers or some of the other priorities that the governor has said that he's had in the past,' Boren said. 'So hopefully it's really workforce development related and he has an opportunity to keep the school board focused on getting students ready for the workforce and to be good neighbors in our in our state. And I hope that with this change that we can turn the page and move forward as a state.' Walters responded to the shakeup on Tuesday, posting the following on X, formerly Twitter: 'Governor Stitt has joined the swampy political establishment that President Trump is fighting against. The board members that stood with us, working with the Trump Administration to make our schools safer and better, have been fired for political purposes. Every Oklahoman should be clear this move undermines Oklahoma kids and parents and an America First agenda. Stitt believes that the federal government, and not the people, need to continue to control our country. This is disappointing but not surprising. We'll keep fighting for school choice, parents, kids, and our teachers.'McBride says Walters' response makes him feel there's still more action needed in order to meaningfully reign Walters in.'Bringing Trump into it again, I mean, this guy does nothing, but I mean, he must have an idol of Trump in his bedroom closet or something,' McBride said. 'I just think it shows a very immature, unprofessional person… We've got to get through this next two years and get rid of him and have somebody good come in behind him to rebuild education.'Stitt's newly appointed board members must still go through a vetting process and meet with lawmakers before they can be confirmed by the Senate, which could take several months. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
