Hundreds Protest Oklahoma Schools Chief Amid Scandal

Hundreds rallied at the Oklahoma State Capitol demanding the impeachment of State Superintendent Ryan Walters, citing Oklahoma’s last-place ranking in a new national education report. The protest, organized by the Sooner State Party, highlighted allegations of Walters' financial mismanagement, overreach in mandates such as requiring Bibles in classrooms, and abusive behavior toward educators. The controversy escalated after reports that images of nude women were displayed on a TV in Walters’ office during a board meeting, which Walters denies, as the Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office and the State Bureau of Investigation pursue ongoing investigations. Demonstrators accused Walters of prioritizing his political ambitions over education reform and deflecting responsibility onto teachers and opponents. Walters responded by attributing the protest to political adversaries and teachers union sympathizers, insisting his actions are aimed at reforming the system. The protests and investigations come amid a declared 'state of emergency' in Oklahoma's education system following its 50th-place WalletHub ranking.