TULSA, Okla. — Twelve school districts are reportedly under investigation by the Oklahoma State Department of Education for refusing to comply with a moment of silence for Charlie Kirk.
When State Superintendent Ryan Walters directed schools to hold the special moment of silence at noon on Sept. 16, multiple districts responded similarly—that the event would be disruptive and cumbersome and that Walters already requires a full minute of silence for prayer or reflection each day, which students can use how they wish.
Local News
Walters calls for moment of silence for Charlie Kirk, schools respond
Now, Walters says his department got 30 reports of schools not observing a moment of silence, and that 12 will be investigated. In the Tulsa area, Broken Arrow, Claremore, Glenpool, Owasso and Tulsa are included.
However, details of that investigation are unclear. Superintendent Ryan Walters was unavailable for an interview.
Attorney and former OSDE board member, Tim Gilpin, says Oklahoma districts are independent. He does not think Walters has the authority to impose any consequences by law or regulations.
“I’m not sure the state superintendent has much of a legal footing to challenge individual school districts as to how they’re spending their time, specifically regarding a moment of silence,” said Gilpin.
“I’ve never known a superintendent to attempt things like this before. So, it’s brand new ground. It appears to be political, it appears to be personal, and those aren’t necessarily great reasons to impose upon the school districts his own will in this regard.”
2 News reached out to several schools to see what they knew about the investigation.
We heard back from Broken Arrow, Glenpool, and Tulsa. Broken Arrow and Glenpool said, so far, they have not been notified by the state.
Tulsa Public Schools provided this statement:
We are aware of this afternoon's statement from the State Department of Education. While we are working to understand more, Tulsa Public Schools welcomes the input and perspectives of all members of our community. Our focus remains on serving our students and families.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere --
- 2 News Oklahoma on your schedule | Download on your TV, watch for free. How to watch on your streaming device
- Download our free app for Apple, Android and Kindle devices.
- Like us on Facebook
- Follow us on Instagram
- Watch LIVE 24/7 on YouTube
