Hours after Republican state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters announced on national TV that he would resign, he led a state Board of Education meeting and made no mention of his exit plans.
The meeting began at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, less than 12 hours after Walters told Fox News host Trace Gallagher that he is leaving his elected position to will lead the Teacher Freedom Alliance, a new professional organization that touts itself as “an alternative to union membership” for teachers. It is a part of the Freedom Foundation, a far-right anti-labor union think tank.
Walters typically delivers remarks at the beginning of every meeting of the Board of Education, which he chairs. During the remarks portion of Thursday’s meeting — which will likely be Walters’ last as superintendent — he made no mention of his pending exit.
Instead, he dedicated a moment of silence to Charlie Kirk, the controversial conservative activist who was shot and killed Sept. 10.
“Charlie stood for free speech, debate,” Walters said. “He inspired a generation of Americans, of Oklahomans.”
Walters reiterated his goal to establish Turning Point USA chapters in every high school in Oklahoma.
“I believe it’s vital for the future of America to continue this mission,” said Walters, who also ordered schools to honor Kirk with a moment of silence and pledged to investigate those who reportedly did not comply.
Walters then invited Mason Cottrell, the Southern Club America regional manager with Turning Point USA, to speak. Cottrell celebrated Walters’ goal to place chapters in high schools. High school chapters are called Club America.
“An assassin may have taken Charlie’s life, but millions of high school and college students will now carry his voice,” Cottrell said.
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Walters won’t be in office to see the chapters be established. He’s set to start at Teacher Freedom Alliance on Oct. 1, the group announced Thursday.
Walters’ agenda for Oklahoma public schools has drawn national attention to a state that consistently ranks poorly for its education system. He has ordered public schools to teach from the Bible, honor Kirk with a moment of silence and show students a video of him praying for President Donald Trump.
After Trump was elected, Walters unsuccessfully tried to require schools to report the immigration statuses of students and their families. That proposal generated widespread backlash, including from Gov. Kevin Stitt, a fellow Republican. The governor ultimately overhauled the State Board of Education, a move that has significantly limited Walters’ power to impose policies.
Stitt has not said who he will appoint to replace Walters.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Ryan Walters doubles down on Turning Point USA chapters at OSBE