Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters is facing serious allegations following claims that two State Board of Education members saw nude images on a TV screen in his office during a recent meeting. Walters has denied the accusations but now finds himself at the center of an escalating investigation involving state and local authorities.
During a press conference, Walters suggested that Governor Kevin Stitt—who appoints the State Board members—was behind the allegations and accused some board members of resisting his policy proposals. The governor’s press secretary denied any involvement. Walters has since called for the board members to resign, a demand they’ve refused.
Officials Call for Transparency
Legislative leaders have urged transparency as the situation unfolds. Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton said the matter requires “more transparency” before any conclusions are drawn. House Speaker Kyle Hilbert emphasized that a “prompt and transparent review” would clear Walters if no wrongdoing occurred. House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson echoed that her caucus would follow the Speaker’s lead and expected a thorough investigation.
Multiple Paths for Accountability
Oklahoma County District Attorney Vicki Behenna has already requested assistance from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to work alongside the county sheriff, who is actively investigating. Depending on the findings, charges could be filed by either Behenna or Attorney General Gentner Drummond. The AG could also seek action through a multi-county grand jury or pursue his own case in district court.
The state legislature may also get involved. While lawmakers can’t fire Walters directly, they could launch an impeachment process—similar to how they handled allegations against former Insurance Commissioner Carroll Fisher in 2004. Past legislative investigations have also led to major policy reforms.
In Other News
Governor Kevin Stitt has taken over as chair of the National Governors Association, making him only the second Oklahoma governor to hold the role, following Mary Fallin. This position allows him to influence national policy by collaborating with other state leaders.
Oklahoma also mourns the loss of former Governor George Nigh, who passed away at 98. Known for his leadership and charm, Nigh was the first to serve two full elected terms, the first to win all 77 counties, and the longest-serving governor in state history. He was also a champion for women in government and authored the bill that made “Oklahoma!” the official state song.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
Leave a Reply