Sep 11
Oklahoma Schools Chief Ryan Walters Faces Mounting Controversies Amid Teacher Outcry
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Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters, a figure already embroiled in controversy, has drawn renewed ire after canceling an August State Board of Education meeting and subsequently being absent from the September 3 session—an unprecedented move in decades of Oklahoma education governance . Walters’ absence comes as he faces an ongoing investigation into a reported TV nudity incident in his office during a closed-door board meeting, as well as mounting dissatisfaction among Oklahoma’s teachers, many of whom are grappling with low pay and a perceived lack of support.
A spokesperson for Walters defended his absence, stating that the superintendent remains focused on “tackling the big issues facing Oklahoma schools” . However, educators and lawmakers from across the political spectrum have questioned Walters’ ability to effectively oversee public education, with some renewing calls for his impeachment.
The current wave of criticism began in July when two board members, Ryan Deatherage and Becky Carson, reported witnessing full-frontal nudity on Walters’ office television during an executive session . Walters has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, instead accusing the board members of orchestrating a coordinated attack allegedly spearheaded by Governor Kevin Stitt, a fellow Republican with whom he has clashed . Both Deatherage and Carson have dismissed these accusations as “ludicrous,” emphasizing the need for accountability at all levels, especially when teachers are regularly held to high standards of professionalism .
A forensic review later revealed that the television may have been playing an ’80s action movie containing nudity, which aligns with the board members’ accounts . Oklahoma House Speaker Kyle Hilbert’s preliminary findings indicated that Walters had not acted improperly and neither had the board members, calling the episode a “bizarre accident involving a newly installed television defaulting to a pre-programmed channel” . Nonetheless, the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) and the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office have both confirmed that their investigations remain ongoing and that no one has been formally cleared .
While the TV incident has dominated headlines, a deeper and more persistent frustration persists among Oklahoma’s teachers. Many educators say they feel unsupported and underpaid, especially as Walters has repeatedly prioritized what he calls “serious changes” to Oklahoma schools . Becky Carson, one of the board members involved in the July incident, articulated the concerns of many when she stated, “If we’re going to hold teachers accountable… we have to put the people that are in leadership accountable as well” .
The issue of teacher compensation and support has taken on particular urgency as Oklahoma continues to struggle with educator shortages and high turnover. LGBTQ+ teachers and students face unique challenges, often contending with hostile environments and a lack of affirming policies. National organizations have consistently emphasized the need for inclusive leadership and policies that protect the rights and dignity of all students, including those who are transgender, nonbinary, or part of other marginalized groups.
The ripple effects of Walters’ absence and the ongoing controversies are being felt far beyond the walls of the State Board of Education. Lawmakers have pointed out that missing critical meetings undermines trust in public institutions and makes it harder to address systemic issues like teacher pay, curriculum inclusivity, and student safety . For queer communities, the situation is a reminder of the necessity for vigilant oversight and persistent advocacy to ensure that state leaders champion—not jeopardize—the well-being of all students.
