Articles
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Education
AG O’Connor: School transgender bathroom policy not mandated
There is no legal requirement forcing Oklahoma public schools to allow transgender individuals—biological males who identify as female—to have unfettered access to girls’ bathrooms, according to Oklahoma Attorney General John O’Connor.Ray Carter | April 11, 2022
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Education
State official criticizes Stillwater school bathroom policy
In a letter sent to the Stillwater Board of Education, Oklahoma Secretary of Education Ryan Walters said the board has adopted an “incorrect interpretation” of its requirements under federal Title IX law by declaring that students must be allowed to choose bathroom facilities based on self-identified gender identity rather than biology.Ray Carter | April 8, 2022
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Education
Hofmeister: School transgender bathroom policies mandatory
A spokesperson for State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister says Oklahoma public schools must allow students to use the bathroom of their choice, based on the student’s self-professed gender identity, and cannot restrict bathroom access based on biological gender.Ray Carter | April 7, 2022
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Education
Stillwater transgender-bathroom policy in place ‘for years’
Amidst pushback from parents about Stillwater Public Schools’ policy of allowing students to choose the bathroom facility that aligns with their self-proclaimed gender identity and not biology, the school’s superintendent recently announced that policy has been in place “for many years.”Ray Carter | April 7, 2022
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Education
Grand jury investigation sought for Shawnee schools
State Sen. Shane Jett has asked Oklahoma Attorney General John O’Connor to conduct a multi-county grand jury investigation into the Shawnee Public Schools district following citizen reports of a “systemic pattern” of school officials ignoring and covering up alleged student abuse by former coach Ron Arthur.Ray Carter | April 7, 2022
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Education
Oklahoma schools ignoring long-term staff abuse of students
In 2007, Delinda Curtis notified the Shawnee Public Schools superintendent, athletic director, and at least one school board member that her son had reported being sexually groomed and mistreated by basketball coach Ron Arthur. Among other things, Arthur had fondled the boy’s testicles, encouraged him to visit porn sites, and made sexual comments.Ray Carter | April 4, 2022
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Law & Principles
Justice delayed, denied due to McGirt
In July 2020, Crystal Marie Haworth walked into the Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Office covered in blood and admitted that she tried to cut off Leonard Brokeshoulder’s head, according to law enforcement officials.Ray Carter | March 31, 2022
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Culture & the Family
Stitt signs transgender athlete law
Surrounded by women of all ages, Gov. Kevin Stitt signed legislation that prevents Oklahoma girls from having to compete against transgender women—biological males who identify as female—in sporting events.Ray Carter | March 30, 2022
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Education
Governor, Senate leader: School-choice effort will continue
Despite the temporary sidelining of a school-choice bill, Gov. Kevin Stitt and Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat both say the battle to aid Oklahoma families is not over and will continue throughout this year’s legislative session.Ray Carter | March 28, 2022
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Culture & the Family
Transgender sports bill goes to governor
Legislation that would restrict eligibility for women’s athletic events to biological women has passed the Oklahoma Senate and now goes to Gov. Kevin Stitt.Ray Carter | March 25, 2022