Oklahoma GOP Fails to Reject Controversial Academic Standards

Oklahoma's new academic standards for social studies and science are set to take effect after the state legislature failed to act on resolutions to reject or amend them. Lawmakers in both the House and Senate, despite efforts and resolutions filed by both Republicans and Democrats expressing concerns about transparency and last-minute changes, did not bring the issue to a vote before the deadline. Significant controversy surrounded the process, as several members of the State Board of Education said they were unaware of key changes—including a requirement for students to recognize 'discrepancies in 2020 election results'—that were added hours before the board's approval. Critics, including board members and legislators, also objected to State Superintendent Ryan Walters’ handling of the process and his misleading statements regarding legislative deadlines. Ultimately, with no legislative action taken within the required timeframe, the proposed standards will become policy as written, despite bipartisan concerns about their content and adoption process.