Walters Proposes Eliminating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Schools

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OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — On Thursday, another board meeting was held regarding Oklahoma education, and proposed rule changes for the upcoming year were discussed.

Last year, State Superintendent Ryan Walters proposed rules that would eliminate K-12 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs, promote religion in the classroom, and update the teacher code of conduct. Some of that passed the legislature later on.

This year, the rules proposed include crossing out “civil rights” from a portion of the rules, getting rid of the Multicultural Equity Advisory Committee, requiring students to provide proof of citizenship at enrollment, ensuring the U.S. flag is flying on campus for districts, and more.

“We have to know how many immigrants there are and how much they are costing Oklahomans,” said Walters at Thursday’s meeting.

Many lawmakers expressed concern soon after the proposed rules came out. Some said that requiring students to provide proof of citizenship could scare off many families from enrolling altogether.

“Most people know it’s against federal law to ask a public school student for their immigration status, but Supt. Walters doesn’t seem to know or care,” said Representative Jacob Rosecrants (D-Norman).

The agency, including Walters, said it was a way to end “sanctuary schools.”

With this proposed rule families would have to provide a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, driver’s license, an unexpired permanent resident card, or another document proving the student has legal authorization to live in the country.