The Latest in Oklahoma: April 25, 2025
A&A Advocates
Oklahoma lawmakers have filed a joint resolution to reject newly proposed social studies and science standards, citing concerns over content and the approval process. Senator Adam Pugh introduced the measure following objections from State Board of Education members who reported having only 36 hours to review a 400-page document before voting.Controversial elements in the standards include directives for schools to teach Bible lessons and encourage students to “identify discrepancies in 2020 election results.” If the Legislature does not act by May 1, the standards will take effect for the 2025–26 school year.
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond is opposing his own party over the approval of St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School, arguing it violates constitutional separation of church and state. Conversely, Governor Kevin Stitt and several Republican senators support the school’s establishment, arguing that excluding religious organizations from public programs infringes upon First Amendment rights. The U.S. Supreme Court will hear the case, which could set major precedent for religious charter schools.
State Senator Darrell Weaver (R-Moore) has announced his candidacy for Oklahoma’s lieutenant governor in the 2026 election. He emphasizes that his combined law enforcement, legislative, and business backgrounds position him to effectively address the state’s pressing issues transparently. Weaver will compete in the Republican primary against State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd and Chris White of Broken Bow.
Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters announced the state will withhold federal funds from school districts that do not certify they are not using diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programming. The move aligns with a directive from the Trump administration, which considers DEI practices to violate anti-discrimination laws. Districts must sign the certification by April 24 or risk losing critical federal funding streams, including Title I and special education grants. The policy has sparked concerns about legality and accusations of federal overreach into local education control.
Weekly Wrap Up
This week was a busy deadline week. Around 90 House Bills stopped in the Senate and 46 Senate Bills stopped in the House. There are 374 House Bills and 329 Senate Bills remaining along with 3 Senate Joint Resolutions and 1 House Joint Resolution.
Click here to see the status of a bill.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“With my common sense conservative approach to governing, I have championed legislation dealing with many issues, such as public safety, victims’ rights, small business, and Second Amendment rights,” Senator Darrell Weaver said in a news release announcing his run for Lieutenant Governor. “I have strongly advocated for our growing aerospace industry, and the need to enhance economic and workforce development and promote tourism opportunities.”