Ryan Walters Steps Down as Oklahoma State Superintendent
Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters announced his resignation this week, marking the end of a controversial tenure defined by sweeping education policies and fierce opposition to teachers unions. Walters will leave his post to become CEO of the Teacher Freedom Alliance, a group dedicated to challenging the influence of teachers unions nationwide.
Walters’ tenure as a public servant has been controversial. During his time as state superintendent, Walters implemented several contentious policies. Among the most notable was his directive requiring Oklahoma public schools to teach the Bible. Earlier this year Walters had filed a lawsuit against the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), a national Atheist advocacy group that sent letters to Oklahoma schools urging the districts to cease student-led prayers broadcast during morning announcements. Walters lawsuit was dismissed by a judge back in August. Walters interjection of Biblical history into social studies curriculum is also presently the subject of a lawsuit. Additionally, back in May the Supreme Court voted to block the formation of a Religious Charter School in Oklahoma Walters had supported.
“We’re going to destroy the teachers unions”
In a statement regarding his new role, Walters declared, “We’re going to destroy the teachers unions.” He further criticized the unions, stating, “We have seen the teachers unions use money and power to corrupt our schools, to undermine our schools.” Walters’ move to the Teacher Freedom Alliance signals his intent to continue his campaign against what he describes as union overreach in public education.
State and National Reactions
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond did not mince words in his assessment of Walters’ tenure, calling him “an embarrassment to our state”. The comment reflects the deep divisions Walters’ policies created within Oklahoma’s political landscape.
On the national stage, American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten welcomed Walters’ departure, stating, “Today is a good day for Oklahoma’s kids.” The sentiment was echoed by other education advocates who had clashed with Walters over his approach to public education and union relations.
Looking Ahead
As Walters transitions to his new role at the Teacher Freedom Alliance, the future of Oklahoma’s education policy remains uncertain. His successor will inherit a system shaped by recent reforms and ongoing debates about the role of unions, curriculum content and student enrollment requirements.
For more details, read the original NBC News article here.
