OKLAHOMA CITY — Several Oklahoma state lawmakers are voicing concern over recent student walkouts and protests occurring during school hours at taxpayer-funded public schools that have targeted ICE agents, law enforcement officers, and other officials tasked with community safety.
Among the lawmakers expressing concern are Rep. Gabe Woolley (R-Broken Arrow), Sen. Dana Prieto (R-Tulsa), Sen. Julie McIntosh (R-Porter), Rep. Molly Jenkins (R-Coyle), Rep. Jim Olsen (R-Roland), Rep. Jim Shaw (R-Chandler), Rep. Kevin West (R-Moore), Sen. Brian Guthrie (R-Bixby), Sen. Dusty Deevers (R-Elgin), and Sen. Shane Jett (R-Shawnee).
The officials highlighted walkouts that took place today at schools including Hale High School, Edison Preparatory Academy, Booker T. Washington High School, and the Tulsa School for Arts and Sciences.
“Several student walkouts have taken place during regular school hours at public schools across our state,” the lawmakers said in a joint statement. “While we respect the rights of individuals to express their views, we are concerned when these actions occur during instructional time and appear to target law enforcement officers and federal agents who are carrying out lawful duties. That risks undermining respect for the rule of law, disrupting the educational environment and sending a troubling message about civic responsibility.
“We are particularly mindful of the safety of students and the protection of parental authority. Parents have a right to know where their children are during the school day. We question whether students who left class had written parental permission and sincerely hope no student was allowed to leave school property without clear consent from a parent or guardian.
“Instructional time is funded by taxpayers for the purpose of educating our children. If students are permitted to be outside the classroom or off campus during the school day, it should only occur with parental knowledge and approval. Schools exist to educate students and to work alongside parents, and taxpayer resources should not be used to facilitate political demonstrations.
“No adult should be using school time or school property to encourage students to oppose law enforcement or engage in political activism. Law enforcement officers and federal agents protect our communities and maintain public safety. Our public schools should remain focused on providing a safe, orderly and respectful learning environment that prioritizes education, student well-being and strong parental involvement.”
Additional note from Rep. Gabe Woolley, a former Oklahoma educator:
“Oklahoma ranks low in public education. These protests during school hours are not helping. Furthermore, I am not aware of any written or signed parental consent given for students to leave class during school hours. Encouraging these protest goes against law enforcement, against the dually elected Trump administration that Oklahomans overwhelmingly voted into office and still support, against parental authority, and against the Oklahoma taxpayers who fund our public schools.”
This is an editorial article based on a combination of opinions, research, and personal experiences.
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