Q&A: What comes next for Oklahoma's proposed social studies standards?

State Democrats want to send Oklahoma’s new social studies standards back to the drawing board. The standards require the approval of the state legislature before they become official. 

Q: Why did Oklahoma democrats oppose the new standards? 

A: On Monday, democratic leaders said they want to reject this current proposal in its entirety. They argue the standards focus more on politics and less on education. Some lawmakers also question whether the process to draft these rules was fair from the start.  

"We have heard from Oklahomans from all across the state who say that they do not approve of this process,” said Rep. Cyndi Munson, D-OKC. 

Q: What specific curriculum changes did democrats disapprove?  

A: The Oklahoma House and Senate democrats didn’t elaborate on the sections they disagreed with in the proposed social studies standards. Minority leaders in both chambers filed joint resolutions to disapprove the standards. 

“We’re trying to focus on the legislature’s ability to take action,” said Sen. Julia Kirt. 

However, these standards establish lessons on bible teachings and other controversial topics like investigating the 2020 election results. They argued the OSDE and Superintendent Ryan Walters used biased voices to draft the new social studies standards. 

“He continues to move forward putting politics over our teachers our students and our schools,” said Sen. Carri Hicks, D-OKC. 

Q: How does the public school curriculum process work? 

A: An executive committee made up of educators, tribal leaders, and members of the public can help with ideas for changes. A draft is then shared with the State Board of Education, who review and vote on the measure. If the board approves the proposed revisions, they pass the proposal to the state legislature. 

Democrats argue that educators selected by lawmakers to help in the process were not listened to during the drafting process. Last month, Gov. Stitt’s three newly appointed board members wanted more time to review the standards before a vote took place. Hicks argued the process was far from objective. 

“That process has been completely undermined,” Hicks said. 

“This move is not about improving education; it’s about advancing a political agenda,” Hicks said. 

Walters appointed conservative leaders, like the president of The Heritage Foundation, a national Republican think tank, to help in the drafting process. 

Q: What’s next at the Capitol?  

A: Democrats banded together calling for these standards to be denied. Lawmakers have 30 days to act on these standards. Democratic leaders did not know when they received the draft that starts that clock.

They said they could decide on the standards this week, but it could also take longer.  Rep. Kyle Hilbert said denying these standards would be a historic action. 

“Historically, it’s my understanding the legislature has never rejected standards,” Hilbert said. 

Democrats remained firm that they want the board of education to reevaluate what these standards should be like before the book closes on this measure. 

“We must hold the line against this blatant overreach,” Hicks said. “Oklahoma students deserve better.” 

State Superintendent Ryan Walters responded to lawmakers with a statement saying, “We’re not surprised that Democrats are relentlessly undermining our children’s education. Rather than teaching the core truths of America’s history and values, they promote radical gender ideologies and anti-American agendas. Democrats are determined to destroy both our children’s future and the strength of our nation. We must fight to restore a future rooted in freedom, opportunity, and truth.”