The school district has signed a resolution agreement, indicating its willingness to make the required policy and procedural changes. In a statement to the school community, Superintendent Margaret Coates wrote, “OPS is committed to fulfilling these requirements with the utmost seriousness and care, as we believe every student has the right to learn in an environment free from discrimination and harassment. We are confident that these steps will enhance the safety and inclusivity of our school community.”
It is worth noting that Trump has promised to “eliminate” the Department of Education and rescind the 2020 changes to Title IX that protect trans students. Closing the department entirely is unlikely, as it would require an act of Congress and the votes of several Democrats, but other changes should be expected.
What the heck else happened this week?
The infamously anti-trans Oklahoma Superintendent of Education, Ryan Walters, has announced that he is preparing the state for when the Trump administration phases out the U.S. Department of Education in favor of block grants, giving money to state governments to run education directly.
In a November 7 memo to parents and superintendents, Walters listed five priorities under the new administration, the first of which is restoring parents’ rights. To quote the memo:
“Championing Parents’ Rights: The Biden administration labeled parents as threats and tried to silence their concerns. States, when restored control, will ensure parents’ voices are not just heard but respected.”
So-called parents’ rights has been one aspect of the Republican Party’s assault against trans people. In this pillar of Trump’s platform he argues, among other things, that parents should be informed if a child reveals they are transgender or changes their name/pronouns at school.
The second item in Walters’ memo more clearly targets trans people:
“Ending Social Indoctrination in Classrooms: Federal funds have been used to force radical agendas, like promoting boys in girls’ sports and pushing divisive gender and racial ideologies. With block grants, states can reject these mandates and focus on real education over propaganda.”
This past Monday, Walters also announced two new departmental committees, the “Trump Education Advisory Committee,” to assist in this transformation of Oklahoma’s state education, and an Office of Religious Liberty and Patriotism, which Walters described as “in line with one of President Trump’s top education priorities, ‘Freedom to Pray.’”
