Democrats question agency departures and rules in Education Department

Democrats in the Oklahoma Legislature are calling on their Republican counterparts to reject administrative rules created by the Oklahoma State Board of Education, claiming they were created without legal basis. The rules, which cover topics such as school accreditation, prayer in schools, teacher behavior, and diversity, equity, and inclusion procedures, were passed by the board in February.

According to Democrats, Oklahoma law requires express approval from the Legislature for state boards or agencies to create administrative rules. They cited an opinion from Attorney General Gentner Drummond, stating that the rules are void and unenforceable without legislative approval.

Meanwhile, concerns have been raised about the high number of departures from the Oklahoma State Department of Education since Superintendent Ryan Walters took office in January. More than 130 employees have left the agency, prompting questions about its ability to serve the state’s 540 school districts and 700,000 children.

Legislative Democrats have called for Walters to be impeached or investigated, citing concerns about the agency’s ability to perform its basic duties. However, House Speaker Charles McCall has stated that accountability for Walters ultimately lies with the people of Oklahoma.

The issue of the administrative rules and the agency departures is expected to be a key topic of discussion in the coming days, with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle expressing their concerns and calling for action to address the situation.