Articles
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Education
As legal threats wither, expert urges private-school growth
Due to multiple court rulings at both the state and federal level, the expansion of school-choice programs has not undermined the autonomy of participating private schools. “If school choice is to succeed,” one expert says, “we need more and better schools to participate in these programs.”Ray Carter | October 15, 2024
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Judicial Reform
Hearing shows ethical conflicts abound with JNC
A recent legislative hearing highlighted several of the many problems created by Oklahoma’s Judicial Nominating Commission, including its fostering of ethical conflicts and creation of an environment in which few people seek to become a judge.Ray Carter | October 14, 2024
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Budget & Tax
Experts warn Oklahoma pension changes could harm state finances
Pension experts warned state lawmakers that reversing course on Oklahoma’s landmark pension reforms will do little to improve employee recruitment and much to harm funding for a wide range of services, including schools.Ray Carter | October 10, 2024
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Culture & the Family
Database shows 65 Oklahoma children subjected to sex change
A new database shows that 65 children were subjected to some form of sex-change procedure in Oklahoma from 2019 to 2023—at the Children’s Hospital of Oklahoma, the Cherokee Nation W.W. Hastings Hospital, and other facilities.Ray Carter | October 9, 2024
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Judicial Reform
Bar’s role in judicial selection may benefit its finances
The incestuous relationship between the Oklahoma Supreme Court and the Oklahoma Bar Association is concerning.Ray Carter | October 8, 2024
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Higher Education
OSU in PR nightmare over pro-Hamas event
Oklahoma State University has come under national scrutiny after a message from Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) was distributed touting a “week of rage.” Gov. Kevin Stitt is urging leaders “to condemn this spectacle.”Ray Carter | October 7, 2024
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Culture & the Family
FEMA officials tout LGBTQIA issues, ‘disaster equity’
Officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently discussed the importance of LGBTQIA issues in disaster-preparedness.Ray Carter | October 7, 2024
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Higher Education
OU professor who warns of ‘white Christian nationalism’ wins acclaim
An OU sociology professor who portrays wide swathes of American Christians as “white Christian nationalists” has been named one of the nation’s most cited academics.Ray Carter | October 4, 2024
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Judicial Reform, Economy
Oklahoma legal climate impacts business growth, job opportunities
“Lawsuit abuse increases the costs of goods and services, including driving up insurance rates,” according to one national expert. “In Oklahoma, that amounts to an average annual ‘tort tax’ of approximately $934.73 per person.”Ray Carter | October 3, 2024
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Education
Lawmakers explore regulation of Oklahoma homeschoolers
In a House Common Education Committee interim study, advocates called for state regulation of Oklahoma homeschoolers.Ray Carter | October 2, 2024