The top education official in Oklahoma, Ryan Walters, is facing scrutiny from fellow Republicans for allegedly withholding critical funds from the state’s schools. Last week, Republican state Rep. Mark McBride led a letter to House Speaker Charles McCall calling for a potential investigation into Walters, citing concerns that he had not fulfilled Open Records Act requests and had withheld funding intended for school security enhancements and asthma inhalers. Walters has frequently made controversial proposals for Oklahoma schools, including comparing the education system to “Epstein Island” and mandating the teaching of the Bible and Ten Commandments in all school districts. His actions have drawn criticism from community members, local officials, and House Democrats who have previously called for his impeachment.
In response to the letter from House Republicans, the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency announced an investigation into Walters. The committee chairman, Republican state Rep. Kevin Wallace, pledged to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation to address the concerns raised by legislators and citizens of Oklahoma. Additionally, Oklahoma’s Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued an opinion demanding that Walters release funds for school security immediately to prevent potential safety risks in schools. Walters is also facing a defamation lawsuit from the superintendent of Bixby Public Schools, Rob Miller, who claims Walters publicly criticized him with false accusations.
Walters, who was elected in 2022, has been embroiled in various controversies, including clashes with the teachers’ union and members of his own party. Despite the investigation and pending lawsuit, Walters has not backed down from his positions and continues to blame liberals for the backlash against him. He has a history of making outlandish and conservative statements, such as falsely accusing Oklahoma’s library books of containing sexually explicit material and claiming teachers are child abusers. Walters has hired an inflammatory right-wing activist as an advisor to the state education department, further fueling criticism and pushback from various stakeholders.
The Oklahoma education official’s actions have raised concerns about his ability to effectively fulfill his duties and responsibilities. Lawmakers and citizens are calling for accountability and transparency in how educational funds are managed and distributed. Walters’ tendency to engage in divisive rhetoric and controversial policies has led to escalating tensions with educators, legislators, and the community at large. Despite the mounting challenges and criticism, Walters remains defiant and maintains his stance against what he perceives as attacks from the left and unions. The ongoing investigations and legal issues underscore the complexities and controversies surrounding educational governance and funding in Oklahoma under Walters’ leadership.
