As the State Superintendent, Ryan Walters is entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring that Oklahoma’s schools are safe environments where students can learn and thrive. However, his tenure has been marked by a series of failures that have put student health and safety at risk. From withholding critical funding to ignoring the needs of vulnerable students, Walters’ actions (and inactions) have raised serious concerns about his commitment to protecting the well-being of Oklahoma’s children.
Key Examples of Neglecting Student Health and Safety:
Blocking Critical Funding for Emergency Health Resources
Walters has been criticized for his failure to allocate funds earmarked for emergency asthma inhalers in Oklahoma schools, potentially putting students with severe asthma at risk.
The Brendon McLarty Memorial Foundation, established after the tragic death of a teenager, has worked tirelessly to equip Oklahoma schools with emergency asthma inhalers. Despite bipartisan support for legislation that allocated $250,000 for this purpose, the Oklahoma State Department of Education, under Walters' leadership, failed to spend the funds, citing vague legal concerns. This delay has left students with asthma vulnerable to potentially life-threatening situations while at school.
Source: KFOR - "Oklahoma superintendent ties district accreditation to students' academic results"
Walters’ failure to act on this critical issue not only undermines the health and safety of students but also highlights a lack of urgency in addressing pressing health concerns within Oklahoma’s schools. By withholding these funds, Walters has placed the lives of vulnerable students at unnecessary risk.
Mismanagement of School Security Funds
Walters has been accused of mismanaging funds intended for improving school security, leaving schools without the necessary resources to protect students in the event of an emergency.
In 2023, the Oklahoma Legislature allocated $150 million to the School Security Revolving Fund, designed to enhance safety measures in schools across the state. However, under Walters’ direction, the Oklahoma State Department of Education failed to distribute these funds as intended. Instead of providing schools with the resources they needed, the funds were delayed or withheld, leaving many schools without the ability to implement critical security upgrades.
Source: Oklahoma Attorney General’s Opinion on the Mismanagement of School Security Funds
The mismanagement of these funds has had severe consequences for school safety. Without the necessary security enhancements, schools are more vulnerable to threats, and students’ safety is compromised. Walters’ handling of these funds reflects a broader pattern of neglecting the safety needs of Oklahoma’s students.
Ignoring the Mental Health Needs of Students
Walters has been criticized for not adequately addressing the mental health crisis affecting students in Oklahoma, despite clear evidence of its impact on student well-being and academic performance.
The mental health of students is a critical component of their overall well-being and success in school. However, under Walters’ leadership, efforts to address the mental health needs of students have been insufficient. Programs that could provide much-needed support have been underfunded, and resources have been diverted to other areas. This neglect has left many students without access to the mental health services they need, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has exacerbated mental health challenges for young people.
The failure to prioritize student mental health has long-term consequences for both individual students and the broader educational environment. Students who do not receive the mental health support they need are more likely to struggle academically, socially, and emotionally, leading to higher dropout rates, lower academic achievement, and increased disciplinary issues.
D. Neglecting the Needs of Marginalized Students
Walters has been accused of neglecting the specific needs of marginalized and vulnerable student populations, including LGBTQ+ students, students of color, and those from low-income families.
Walters' association with controversial figures and organizations that promote anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric has raised concerns about his commitment to protecting all students, regardless of their background or identity. For example, his appointment of Chaya Raichik, the creator of the "Libs of TikTok" account known for promoting anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments, to a key role within his administration has been widely criticized. This move has been seen as an endorsement of views that marginalize and endanger LGBTQ+ students.
By aligning with and supporting figures known for promoting hate, Walters is neglecting the duty to create a safe and inclusive environment for all students. This neglect not only harms the well-being of marginalized students but also creates a school culture where discrimination and exclusion are tolerated, if not encouraged.
Ryan Walters’ neglect of student health and safety is a significant failure of his responsibilities as State Superintendent. From blocking critical funding for emergency health resources to mismanaging school security funds and ignoring the mental health needs of students, Walters has repeatedly shown a disregard for the well-being of Oklahoma’s children. His actions have left students vulnerable and have compromised the safety and inclusivity of the state’s schools.
Oklahomans must demand that their educational leaders prioritize the health and safety of all students. It’s time to hold Ryan Walters accountable for his neglect and to advocate for leadership that puts the well-being of children first. Contact your representatives to express your concerns about Walters’ failure to protect student health and safety and to push for stronger oversight and accountability.