Oklahoma Board Initiates Review of Controversial Social Studies Standards

The Oklahoma State Board of Education has decided to review the contentious social studies academic standards that were approved during the tenure of former state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters. This review comes in response to widespread criticism regarding the standards, which have been noted for requiring students to learn about the influence of Christianity and containing language related to the discredited theory of election denial from the 2020 elections.

The board’s decision follows two legal challenges currently pending before the Oklahoma Supreme Court. On September 15, 2023, the court issued an order pausing the implementation of these new standards, instructing schools to revert to the previous standards established in 2019 until the legal disputes are resolved.

During a meeting on October 23, 2023, the board discussed the pending lawsuits in a closed session. Following this, board member Brian Bobek proposed a motion to review the 2025 social studies standards for 60 days, which was unanimously approved. New Superintendent Lindel Fields stated that while no recommendation is made yet, the board’s action allows for a structured review process aimed at making informed decisions regarding the standards.

Fields emphasized that public input would be sought during this review, and any necessary revisions would be presented to the Legislature for approval. He expressed confidence that changes to the standards are likely.

The controversy surrounding the standards has its roots in the manner of their approval. A draft version was released for public comment in December, but board members received the final document only shortly before a critical meeting in late February. During that meeting, several new members, including Chris Van Denhende and Ryan Deatherage, requested more time to review the standards. Their requests were dismissed after Walters incorrectly stated that immediate approval was necessary to meet legislative deadlines, which were in fact still weeks away.

Following the approval, concerns arose when Van Denhende discovered discrepancies between the draft and the final version, particularly regarding the inclusion of election denial language. In light of these revelations, some board members called for the Oklahoma Legislature to reject the standards, but legislative inaction meant they took effect at the start of the current school year. The board is now seeking to address these issues comprehensively.

In addition to the standards review, the board discussed another legal matter involving a Bible-teaching mandate issued by Walters, which Fields has indicated he does not plan to enforce. The board also voted to retain attorney Ryan Leonard and his firm to represent them in ongoing lawsuits from Walters’ administration. Over a dozen cases remain pending in both state and federal courts.

Fields remarked on the complexity of resolving these legal issues, stating, “These aren’t as simple as just saying, ‘We’re going to stop or redo.’ There are legal implications and legislative rules to consider.” He assured that the approach will be methodical, with careful consideration of each case.

The effort to reassess these standards reflects ongoing tensions in educational policy and governance in Oklahoma, as stakeholders seek to balance educational integrity with legislative and public expectations. As the review process unfolds, the implications for students and educators throughout the state remain a focal point of discussion.