Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters Announces Resignation Amid Controversy

Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters announced on Wednesday that he will resign from his post, a decision he disclosed during an appearance on Fox News and confirmed in subsequent local coverage. Walters, who has served as the state’s top education official since 2023, stated that he will transition to the private sector as CEO of the newly formed Teacher Freedom Alliance, an organization launched in March that positions itself as an alternative to traditional teachers’ unions and describes its mission as supporting “the rights of teachers in America” .

Walters did not specify the effective date of his resignation but is expected to provide additional details during a scheduled Oklahoma State Board of Education meeting. Under Oklahoma law, the vacancy will be filled by gubernatorial appointment, with current Oklahoma Secretary of Education Nellie Sanders among the names reportedly being considered for the interim role .

Walters’ time in office was marked by contentious debates over educational policy, curriculum content, and the rights of marginalized students—including LGBTQ+ youth. His administration frequently clashed with educators, civil rights organizations, and parent groups over issues such as classroom censorship, book bans, and efforts to restrict the discussion of race, gender identity, and sexual orientation in schools .

Critics accused Walters of promoting policies that marginalized transgender, nonbinary, and queer students, and for supporting measures they argued undermined classroom inclusivity and teacher autonomy. Multiple advocacy groups, including LGBTQ+ rights organizations, expressed concern that his policies contributed to a hostile environment for students and educators who identify as LGBTQ+, or who sought to support them.

In a statement released overnight, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond called the Walters-Stitt era “an embarrassment to our state,” citing historic lows in test scores and reading proficiency as evidence that the leadership’s priorities were misplaced . Drummond went on to urge the state to “move forward and focus on solutions for our children.”

Walters’ resignation is seen by many LGBTQ+ advocates as both an opportunity and a challenge. During his tenure, Oklahoma saw a wave of legislation and administrative actions that restricted the ability of teachers to address LGBTQ+ topics in the classroom, limited access to affirming resources, and, in some cases, resulted in the removal of books and materials related to LGBTQ+ identities from school libraries.

National organizations such as the Human Rights Campaign and GLSEN previously highlighted Oklahoma as a state where LGBTQ+ students face higher risks of discrimination and bullying, emphasizing the need for leadership that prioritizes safe and inclusive schools . While Walters framed his policies as protecting parental rights and transparency, critics argued that these measures emboldened discrimination and made it more difficult for LGBTQ+ youth to access support.

The abrupt leadership change has renewed calls from advocacy groups for the governor to appoint a superintendent with a demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusivity. Community leaders and educators are urging state officials to engage directly with LGBTQ+ students, families, and teachers to ensure that future policies foster belonging and safety for all students.

With Walters’ resignation pending, attention now turns to Governor Kevin Stitt and the Oklahoma State Board of Education, who must select a successor to serve out the remainder of the superintendent’s term, ending in January 2027 . The appointment will be closely watched by educators, advocacy groups, and families across Oklahoma, many of whom hope for a shift toward policies that affirm and protect every student, regardless of identity.

For LGBTQ+ students and their allies, the coming weeks are likely to be a period of both advocacy and uncertainty. Local and national LGBTQ+ organizations have signaled their intent to engage with policymakers and to amplify the voices of students directly affected by recent policy shifts. The outcome of these efforts may help shape the educational climate in Oklahoma for years to come.

As the state grapples with leadership transition, the overarching message from advocates remains clear: Oklahoma’s schools must serve as a place of safety, learning, and affirmation for every student, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or background.