OKLAHOMA CITY – At today’s Oklahoma State Board of Education (OSDE) meeting, despite last minute rules changes meant to silence opposition, Oklahomans once again sharply criticized State Superintendent for Public Instruction Ryan Walters for his rampant mismanagement, his failures to protect the state’s LGBTQ+ students, and his continued actions that prioritize his political agenda over what is best for Oklahoma students. Their message was clear: Ryan Walters must be held accountable and removed from office.

Today’s meeting came less than 24 hours after Walters and the department changed the rules - for the second time in the last four months - for public comment during the monthly meeting, a transparent attempt to silence and control the public criticism Walters has received from Oklahomans due to his policy failures and dangerous rhetoric. At last month’s board meeting, a parent who took the podium to call Walters to account was placed in handcuffs, forcibly removed from the building, and arrested by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol while her children watched. Despite these obstacles, a majority of the people allowed to speak today criticized Walters for failing Oklahoma students.

Today’s board meeting came as Walters faced more questions about mishandling of funds and the state legislature considered a variety of ways to reign in his authority. Earlier this week, The Frontier dropped a major expose that details how a fumbled and neglected grant application process at the Oklahoma State Department of Education led to a lapse in federal funding for a program that provides crisis assistance to school districts dealing with emergency situations - including funding that helped pay for important emergency counseling following the death of Nex Benedict in Owasso earlier this year. This is just the latest reporting on how Walters’ mismanagement and incompetence has cost Oklahoma schools millions of dollars in federal grants, all while the state remains ranked 49th in the nation in K-12 education.

Here are just some of the comments Oklahomans about Walters’ failures during today’s meeting:

Mike, a retired school teacher:

“I speak for all those here who came to be heard but could not even get in the room. Parents, Mr. Walters and his ultra conservative and wealthy backers are failing our 700,000 students and the 1.4 million million parents least able to defend themselves... Ryan Walters and this board are failing our students and need to be held accountable. Part of accountability is listening to your constituents and their concerns. Walters claims he “never backs down,” but it is cowardly to refuse to hear from ALL the people you were elected to represent.”

Preston, father of an Oklahoma student who got in line to testify yesterday afternoon but was not able to speak due to the new public comment rules:

“My son really wanted to speak now that school is out...there’s lots of kids that came today to speak and address the board. For a board that claims to be here for kids, the lottery system hurts them. A lot of them left today disappointed because they weren’t able to come up here and tell you what they thought was important to school kids…that’s bad.”

Christie S:

“Ryan Walters’ leadership as state superintendent poses significant risks to our public education system. His focus on political agendas over educational priorities, combined with his detrimental policies on funding and lack of collaborative leadership are dangerous for the future of our students and schools. It is imperative that we advocate for a more balanced, inclusive and student-focused approach in the state of Oklahoma.”

Nicole Poindexter, HRC organizer who has four students in Oklahoma public schools

“I speak for all of us when I say Oklahoma deserves better. Under your watch, our schools have dropped to even further lows…Give Oklahoma a birthday gift from you and resign. We deserve someone who genuinely cares for all children, and that means our LGBTQ+ children.”

Gracie, a student in Tulsa Public Schools:

“Teachers are struggling. My teacher was instructed to teach us 5th grade math in a 7th grade class; I’ve [also] had teachers who quit… We don’t have bad teachers, but they were not given resources to meet their goals. Every student deserves the right to proper education.

Recent Headlines from Oklahoma:

• Oklahoman: ​​Ryan Walters sets new rules for public comment ahead of Thursday's board meeting

• KTUL: Department of Education updates public comment policy, restricts items, limits speakers

• Public Radio Tulsa: Under Ryan Walters, Oklahoma lost federal funding to help schools respond to tragedies

• The Frontier: Under Ryan Walters, Oklahoma lost federal funding to help schools respond to tragedies

• The Oklahoman: Lawmakers have found a disconnect between OSDE's rising funding requests and number of employees

• KFOR: Stitt: Walters, OSDE need to be held accountable in U.S. News rankings fiasco

• The Oklahoman: OSDE signs $50K contract with Texas firm that produced videos attacking teachers' union, trans students