TULSA, Okla. — The Oklahoma State Supreme Court blocked contested social studies standards for state school districts for the time being.
The court prohibited State Superintendent Ryan Walters and the state from implementing new social studies standards. State officials are also prohibited from spending any state funds on the standards. The court ordered the state to treat the prior version of the standards, which were enacted in 2019, as remaining in effect.
WATCH: Oklahoma Supreme Court blocks new school social studies standards:
Walters responded to the ruling with this statement:
“The Oklahoma Supreme Court is embarrassing and clearly is out of step with Oklahomans. They’re ignoring the fact that in other states the Bible is openly taught as the cornerstone of Western civilization. Christianity, American exceptionalism, and conservative values are under attack and the Oklahoma Supreme Court is leading the assault.”
In April, 2 News took a closer look at the proposed standards and compared them to prior standards.
There were 33 plaintiffs on the suit against Walters. One of them being Tulsa mom Kara Joy McKee.
"I got involved just as a mom, as an advocate, saying, listen, our school board, elected by us, is doing a great job here, and there are things we could improve, but he's really comfortable with lying about us about all sorts of things," McKee said.
On Monday, the state Supreme Court re-examined the case and put a temporary stop to adopting the standards and including the Bible in classroom materials.
McKee expressed relief when she learned of the pause.
"Oh, what a sigh of relief. We needed a win. Right now is a heartbreaking moment for every American. We are more divisive than we've ever been, and to have this court decision, the court saying, 'Whoa, let's slow down,'" she said.
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Several lawsuits were also filed calling the way the standards were approved illegal. Those claims say the process violated the Oklahoma Open Meeting Act and other procedural requirements.
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The ruling prohibits the state from taking further action or spending public funds to enforce these standards until a ruling comes from the Oklahoma State Supreme Court.
Broken Arrow Public Schools sent this statement following the decision.
With the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruling to pause the adoption of the 2025 social studies standards, we will go back to using the 2019 Oklahoma Academic Standards for social studies.
Tulsa Public Schools is also sending their reaction:
We respect the ruling from the Oklahoma Supreme Court and will continue to follow state law. At Tulsa Public Schools, we have a social studies curriculum in place that meets state requirements and has been reviewed and selected by staff and community. As we receive further guidance, our focus remains on transparency, communication, and supporting our educators with the tools they need.
Parents always have the right to opt their children out of specific materials, and we remain committed to ensuring those options are clearly communicated. Our classrooms will continue to be places where students are taught to think critically, engage respectfully, and learn the skills they need to succeed.
For McKee, the fight continues as she advocates for her child and the children of Oklahoma.
"I care about here in Oklahoma, and I want them in the best education they can have without the conflict and confusion of mixing up Church and State," she said.
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