Serine
A formal investigation is now underway following claims by two board members that they saw images of nude women on a television in Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters’ office during a closed-door meeting of the State Board of Education.
Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, announced that the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) is conducting the probe into what he described as a “bizarre and troubling situation.”
The issue reportedly took place during the executive session held on July 24, and involves board members Ryan Deatherage and Becky Carson.
Officials Demand Transparency and Facts
“This unsettling report raises serious concerns,” said Sen. Paxton, adding that the matter requires clarity, transparency, and a thorough investigation. He noted that Senate Education Committee Chairman Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, is also monitoring the situation.
OMES is coordinating the response to uncover exactly what occurred in Walters’ office. According to the reports, both board members claimed the explicit content appeared during the session, prompting questions to Walters, who allegedly reacted with surprise and attempted to turn off the screen.
Reactions From Lawmakers and Board Members
Rep. Dick Lowe, R-Amber, who chairs the House Committee on Common Education, confirmed he was present during part of the session but did not witness the television.
After speaking with both Deatherage and Carson, he stated, “I have no doubt that this happened,” adding that the matter must be fully investigated in line with the law.
Speaker Kyle Hilbert also called for a swift, third-party review, emphasizing that Superintendent Walters should unlock all relevant devices and cooperate fully.
“If nothing inappropriate occurred, a transparent review will clear his name quickly,” Hilbert said.
Walters Denounces Accusations as Politically Motivated
In a statement Friday night, Superintendent Ryan Walters dismissed the claims, saying, “Some board members are blatantly dishonest and are pushing political agendas.”
He expressed disappointment that the focus is shifting from policy to distraction and insisted that the board should prioritize serving Oklahoma families.
Board Tension and Previous Disputes
The controversy comes amid ongoing tensions between Walters and the State Board of Education. In recent months, board members have questioned Walters’ unilateral decisions, such as:
- Mandating universal free school lunches
- Proposing that out-of-state teachers take an Oklahoma-specific test
- Forming partnerships with online private education providers
Board member Becky Carson has also challenged Walters’ lack of communication, specifically regarding a resignation letter addressed to both the board and Walters that was not shared with other members.
Walters’ Stance on Explicit Content in Education
Ironically, Walters has positioned himself as a leading critic of pornography in schools and has advocated for banning books he claims contain explicit material.
This latest controversy draws attention to the standards applied to the state’s top education official, as noted by Deatherage, who stated, “We hold educators to the strictest of standards. The superintendent should be no exception.”
The investigation into the alleged appearance of nude content in Superintendent Walters’ office could have significant political and legal implications.
While the facts remain under scrutiny, lawmakers on both sides are pushing for a transparent review to determine what really happened—and whether the incident was accidental, intentional, or politically exploited. As the inquiry proceeds, public trust in the State Department of Education remains on the line.