Oklahoma Lawmakers Push for Investigation of State Superintendent Ryan Walters
A group of 21 Republican lawmakers in Oklahoma has signed a letter requesting the formation of a committee to investigate State Superintendent Ryan Walters and the Oklahoma State Department of Education. The committee, if formed, could ultimately recommend that Walters be impeached. House Speaker Charles McCall has stated that at least 51 Republican signatures are needed before he considers the request, according to KOCO.com.
The lawmakers have accused Walters of failing to communicate effectively with the legislature, not fulfilling records requests, and failing to implement legislation that has already been passed. These accusations have led to growing calls for an investigation into Walters’ conduct as superintendent.
Dispute Over School Security Funding
House Education Budget Chair Mark McBride, a vocal critic of Walters, pointed to a recent dispute over school security funding as the final straw that led to the call for an investigation. McBride emphasized that the formation of the committee is not an immediate call for impeachment but rather a step toward determining whether impeachment is warranted. He noted, “They can decide if there is an impeachable offense, or if there is not.”
Walters’ Response and Political Tensions
Walters has responded defiantly to the accusations, alleging that the Republican lawmakers are collaborating with Democrats to undermine his leadership. “These are folks that do whatever the teachers unions tell them to, and they want to bring back an era of the teachers unions controlling our schools,” Walters stated. He further asserted, “I will never back down to moderate Republicans partnering with Democrats to overturn the will of the people. We’re not going to allow it.”
Impeachment Criteria and Process
Melody Huckaby Rowlett, a political science professor at the University of Oklahoma, explained that impeachment does not necessarily require proof of a crime. Instead, allegations of incompetence or willful neglect of duties could be enough. “What rises to the level of impeachment is a little different. It’s broader. Alleged incompetence. Alleged willful neglect of duties. It doesn’t have to be high crimes and misdemeanors,” Huckaby Rowlett noted.
The next step will be to see if 30 more Republicans will add their signatures to the letter, and whether Speaker McCall will proceed to assemble the investigative committee. The formation of this committee could have significant implications for Walters’ future as State Superintendent and for Oklahoma’s education system.
