Kansas Superintendent Resigns Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations; Oklahoma Superintendent Steps Down to Lead Anti-Union Campaign

Ryan Walters, Oklahoma's State Superintendent of Public Instruction, announced his resignation effective September 30, to become CEO of the Teacher Freedom Alliance, an organization dedicated to dismantling teachers' unions and promoting conservative values in education. Walters, known for his controversial stances such as advocating for Bible inclusion in schools and opposing what he calls "woke indoctrination," has sparked significant backlash from educators, unions, and even some fellow Republicans during his tenure. His departure has been met with relief and celebration by critics, including the Oklahoma Education Association, which condemned his leadership as plunging education into its "darkest days." Just prior to resigning, Walters announced a partnership with Turning Point USA to establish conservative youth chapters in every Oklahoma high school, aiming to mobilize students against liberal ideologies. The Teacher Freedom Alliance, backed by conservative foundations, portrays itself as a free alternative to traditional unions and promises to support educators aligned with its moral and political goals. Meanwhile, in Kansas, Ty Theurer resigned as superintendent of Comanche County schools following public outrage over allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct toward students, illustrating ongoing challenges in school leadership accountability.