Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters Vows to Reject U.S. Department of Education’s Updated Title IX Guidelines, Risking Critical Federal Funding for Oklahoma Schools

WASHINGTON - In a letter circulated today, Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters ordered that school district leaders across the state refuse to comply with the U.S. Department of Education's updated Title IX rule finalized last week. The rule clarifies the scope of nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ+ students while also empowering sexual assault survivors, a move imperative to the enhanced safety and protection of queer and transgender students.

Refusing to comply with Title IX could put federal funding for Oklahoma school districts at risk. In the 2021-2022 school year, Oklahoma received more than $800 million in school funding from the federal government-or about 10% of its total revenue. According to the Oklahoma State Report card, an average of $1,850.68 is spent per pupil in Oklahoma from federal funds, which makes up 17.5% of the total $10,574.08 per-pupil expenditure.