Why LGBTQ+ Groups Urge Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walter's Removal?

More than 350 LGBTQ+ organizations, activists, and celebrities have joined forces in a powerful demand for the removal of Ryan Walters from his position as Oklahoma superintendent of public instruction. The demand follows the tragic death of non-binary teen Nex Benedict, who lost their life after a school restroom 'fight' in Owasso High School.

Who is Ryan Walters?

Born on May 23, 1985, Ryan Walters is an American educator and politician, currently serving as the elected Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction since 2023. Before this role, he held the position of the appointed Oklahoma Secretary of Education from September 2020 to April 2023.

Accusations against Walters claim he has fostered "a climate of hate and bigotry" within the Oklahoma education system. Despite acknowledging Benedict's death as a tragedy, Walters has refused to embrace inclusive ideologies, rejecting gender identities outside the cisgender binary. His anti-LGBTQ+ statements and the controversial appointment of far-right activist Chaya Raichik have ignited outrage.

The Open Letter: A Unified Call for Action

Freedom Oklahoma, GLAAD, the Human Rights Campaign, and GLSEN spearheaded an open letter, signed by a multitude of organizations, activists, and celebrities. Addressed to six state legislators, the letter urges Walters' removal and calls for an investigation into the Oklahoma Department of Education to uncover the roots of unchecked harassment against 2SLGBTQI+ students.

Justice for Nex.

Our worries that it could happen again remain as vivid as ever. 25 years after Matthew’s murder, we are seeing an exponential increase in hateful rhetoric and anti-2SLGBTQI+ violence. 🧵(1/6) pic.twitter.com/FiaCLhRk6W

— Sarah Kate Ellis (@sarahkateellis) February 28, 2024

The letter condemns Superintendent Walters for creating an environment allowing rampant harassment of LGBTQ+ students. The signatories demand accountability for bringing hate into Oklahoma's schools and placing the well-being of vulnerable youth at risk. Mental health crises among young people have surged since Benedict's death, further emphasizing the urgent need for intervention.

A Wave of Support and Notable Signatories

Prominent individuals, including Kristin Chenoweth, Demi Lovato, Cynthia Nixon, k.d. lang, Jonathan Van Ness, Amy Schneider, Peppermint, ALOK, Emma Roberts, and Tommy Dorfman, have rallied behind the cause. Their support amplifies the message of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies, seeking justice for Nex Benedict and a safer educational environment.

Nicole McAfee, executive director of Freedom Oklahoma, criticizes Walters' detachment from the needs of students, teachers, and families. Walters' focus on discriminatory policies and attacks against LGBTQ+ and BIPOC students, as evidenced by recent administrative rules, further intensifies the call for his removal.

GLAAD President and CEO Speaks Out

GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis condemns Walters' actions as dangerous and reckless, perpetuating anti-LGBTQ+, hateful, and vulnerable youth attacks. Walters' commitment to discriminatory policies is seen as detrimental to the safety and future of Oklahoma's students.

A Call for Accountability

As the LGBTQ+ community and its allies continue their fight for justice, HRC President Kelley Robinson emphasizes that Oklahoma students deserve an educational environment free from harassment. The call for Ryan Walters' removal intensifies, as the community refuses to accept an administration that jeopardizes the well-being of its students.