Legal professionals are expressing concern over the events that took place during Wednesday’s Oklahoma State School Board meeting. According to experts, these events are without precedent and should serve as a warning for those who have the authority to hold State Superintendent Ryan Walters and the Oklahoma State Board of Education responsible. This news should be alarming to all those involved.
The recent events have brought to light some concerning actions by Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters. He has been accused of personally attacking multiple public officials by spreading blatant falsehoods about them. Additionally, the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office has raised concerns that both Walters and the Board may have violated state laws. These allegations are alarming and require further investigation.
During the meeting held on Wednesday, the Oklahoma State School Board (OSBE) and Supt. Ryan Walters chose to defer their decision on whether State Sen. Mary Boren (D-Norman) and other legislators should be permitted to participate in their executive session talks. Even though they had received guidance from the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office stating that they were legally obliged to allow the legislators to join, the board members decided to postpone the decision for now.
After the meeting on Wednesday, reporters asked Walters about the letter sent by the Attorney General’s Office on July 18th, which provided guidance to him and all state school board members. Walters appeared to be unaware of the email when he responded to the reporters.
After the meeting, the Oklahoma Attorney General’s office issued a statement indicating that Walters and the board could have intentionally breached Oklahoma’s Open Meeting Act.
Following the meeting, Walters went on to make false statements to the press, claiming that Senator Boren aimed to restrict the removal of pedophiles from classrooms.
When asked about claims made on social media by Bixby Public Schools superintendent Rob Miller, he referred to him as a “clown.”
Upon arriving at Wednesday’s meeting, Boren had a clear objective in mind: to attend the second of two executive session discussions that were scheduled on OSBE’s agenda for the day.
During the meeting, the board had scheduled the first executive session to discuss “confidential communications with board counsel” regarding a request made by Senator Mary Boren to observe all executive sessions of the Board on July 31, 2024.
During the second executive session, the board will deliberate on four distinct matters concerning the potential revocation of specific teachers’ teaching certificates. The board is expected to contemplate possible actions related to these issues.
Boren expressed her desire to observe the second executive session.
As per the agenda, the board will commence by voting to enter the first executive session. Following the completion of the session, they will vote to return to open session. Subsequently, the board will deliberate and potentially take action on the matters discussed during the first session.
After the initial meeting, Boren anticipated that the board would hold a vote to determine if she could attend the second executive session as an observer.
Once that event takes place, the board will proceed to vote on entering the second executive session as per the agenda.
After the second executive session, the board would reconvene in an open session to deliberate and potentially make decisions on the matters that were discussed during the closed session.
Unfortunately, the second executive session that was planned by the board never took place.
The board decided to conduct only the initial meeting and skipped the rest.
When the board resumed its open session, they decided to postpone the decision of allowing Boren into their executive sessions.
The board proceeded to take action on the four items that were supposed to be discussed during the second executive session, even though the session had not yet taken place.
According to Boren, the preparedness of the individuals involved in the meeting was apparent from their quick response to the motion and the way they addressed the agenda items. He further added that they seemed to have discussed and planned ahead of time on how to handle the situation. Boren also noted that during the first executive session, they went beyond the scope of the agenda and discussed other topics. He shared these insights with News 4.
News 4 was informed by the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office that they also paid attention to the incident.
“We have serious concerns regarding what seems to be a deliberate breach of the Open Meeting Act. Our team will thoroughly investigate this matter and take necessary measures.”
Tim Gilpin, a former Assistant Oklahoma Attorney General, acknowledges that he was also intrigued by the events that unfolded during Wednesday’s meeting.
According to News 4, the Department of Education is becoming increasingly peculiar. Gilpin expressed his concerns, stating that violating the Open Meeting Act is a severe offense. This statute is not to be taken lightly, as the public deserves to be informed about their elected officials’ actions. Gilpin emphasized that the purpose of this act is to prevent any secretive or shady meetings and decisions from taking place behind closed doors.
According to him, jail time could be a consequence for public officials who willfully violate the Open Meeting Act.
Gilpin emphasized the severity of violating the Open Meeting Act, stating that it could result in fines and even up to a year of imprisonment. To avoid such consequences, state board members and officials usually take measures to ensure compliance, such as obtaining guidance from the state attorney general’s office through written communication or letters. Failing to adhere to the Act is a serious matter that should not be taken lightly.
During his tenure, Gilpin dedicated six years of service to the State School Board.
Gilpin expressed concern for the direction the superintendent is leading the State Board of Education. As a current member, Gilpin worries about personal responsibility for the potentially lawless and reckless acts that may result from voting with the superintendent. Gilpin emphasized the gravity of this situation, cautioning fellow board members to consider the implications of their decisions.
After Wednesday’s meeting, Walters spoke with reporters about the matter and discussed it with Sen. Boren.
According to Walters, in the eyes of the law, it seems that she lacks jurisdiction. This statement was made to journalists.
In his statement, he expressed his desire for the Attorney General’s office to provide written guidance on how to proceed with the situation. However, it appears that Walters was not aware that the AG’s office had already sent a letter containing that guidance to him and all the other board members on July 18th. Despite this, he claimed that he had not received any communication from the AG’s office.
According to Walters, they have not received any response from the Attorney General despite their request for more details.
Last week, News 4 covered the letter in an article titled ‘Attorney General’s office: State school board must let legislators into executive session.’
According to Gilpin, it is highly concerning that Walters appeared to have no knowledge of the letter, which was not only emailed to him but also widely publicized.
Gilpin expressed surprise at the state Board of Education’s disregard for the Open Meeting Act and the Attorney General’s communication. He questioned the Department of Education’s motives and wondered why they believe they are above the law and beyond public accountability.
During his conversation with reporters, Walters not only criticized Senator Boren but also launched a personal attack on her. In addition to that, he made false statements about her which were quite alarming.
According to Walters, there are left-wing democrats, such as Mary, who are opposed to removing pedophiles from the classrooms. He believes that Mary is trying to disrupt the process and prevent the removal of such individuals from the education system.
According to Boren, she cannot simply disregard those unfounded and untrue accusations.
According to Boren, searching for the term ‘strife’ on Google or in a Bible app will reveal its association with slander and other deplorable actions. Slandering someone for crimes like murder or child molestation without proper evidence can cause chaos in society. Boren highlights the danger of spreading rumors without any formal system to determine the truth. This can lead to people fighting against each other with no due process or equal protection, causing unnecessary dissension.
After Wednesday’s meeting, Walters targeted more than just Boren in his criticisms of public officials.
In a recent post on X, Bixby Public Schools Superintendent Rob Miller raised concerns about the delay in Oklahoma schools receiving their Title I funding allocations. As per Miller, the allocation has not yet been made despite being due earlier this week.
On Wednesday, when asked by reporters about Miller’s post, Walters resorted to personal attacks once more.
According to Walters, Rob is nothing but a liar and a complete embarrassment. He is well aware of the fact that he receives title one funds every year, yet he continues to deceive people. Walters went on to call him a clown, indicating how little respect he has for Rob and his dishonest ways.
On Wednesday evening, Miller once again addressed the comments made by Walters about him, taking to X to do so.
In a direct message to @RyanWaltersSupt, Miller expressed his displeasure with the Superintendent’s remarks and demanded an apology. Miller emphasized that the false statements and personal attacks made by @RyanWaltersSupt are not befitting of his position and that the students and families of #oklaed deserve better leadership. Miller also made it clear that he will not tolerate any further attempts to tarnish his ethics, integrity, or character in public without evidence. In a show of his own leadership, Miller reminded @RyanWaltersSupt that he served as a Marine Officer while the Superintendent was still in diapers and urged him to act with greater professionalism.
In response to the Attorney General’s Office’s remarks insinuating that Walters and the State School Board may have intentionally breached the Open Meeting Act, News 4 contacted the Oklahoma State Department of Education.
In a statement to News 4, Matt Langston, Chief Policy Advisor at OSDE, resorted to making personal attacks.
“I don’t know what the Democrats told the Attorney General, but they are liars,” Langston said. “Nor do we know why the Attorney General would listen or believe them. No violations occurred. Democrats do get sensitive when they have to own the fact they are protecting pedophiles, people who want to assassinate Trump, and promote indoctrination.” Matt Langston, OSDE Chief Policy Advisor
In all his years of public service, Gilpin has never come across an attitude quite like Walters and his staff’s, as per his statement.
Gilpin was shocked at the state superintendent’s comments about Senator Boren and other officials, calling them outrageous and deceitful. In Gilpin’s opinion, this behavior is unacceptable for a state official, and is simply a tactic to avoid answering questions and deflect attention away from the issue at hand.
According to Boren, the actions of Walters are unprecedented in terms of a public official defying authority. She notes that she has never witnessed such behavior before.
According to Boren, who has a lengthy tenure in state government, the order of law is similar to the way our money works. In order for the Attorney General to be viewed as having authority, it is important to show respect for the position. If a decision needs to be appealed, the appropriate legal process should be followed. Going against the decision without following the proper channels is not a common occurrence.
According to her, Walters is failing to fulfill the responsibilities of a leader in a democratic society.
According to Boren, the current situation is far from being a democratic one. Instead, it can be described as authoritarian and a clear abuse of power. The relationship between those in charge and the people is toxic, and they want individuals to fear them personally rather than upholding the law. These actions are not honorable and only lead to a negative impact on society.
According to Gilpin, ignoring the attitude of causing harm will result in significant consequences. It is crucial for those in positions of power to address it appropriately.
Gilpin expressed his hope that fellow Republican state officeholders would acknowledge the seriousness of the issue and recognize that the negligence and guilt emanating from the Department of Education is harming the schoolchildren of Oklahoma. He stated that these officeholders should take action to address this problem and ensure that the students are not being deprived of their right to quality education.
