February Editorial Winner

Stitt correct to speak out against Walters

By Kim Poindexter, Tahlequah Daily Press

The honeymoon between Gov. Kevin Stitt and State Superintendent Ryan Walters is apparently over – if “honeymoon” is the correct word to use, when it comes to state-level politicians.

Stitt likely has motives other than the welfare of Oklahoma’s school children when he says he’s had enough of Walters’ drama. But whatever his rationale, Stitt’s denouncing of Walters’ use of children as “political pawns” is laudable, and everyone with an email account or a phone should let him know that.

During a press conference, Stitt announced his picks for three State Board of Education members to replace three whom he evidently determined were under Walters’ erratic thumb. The drastic action, he said, was needed in light of falling test scores – and presumably, the embarrassment Walters has brought upon this state across the globe.

But Stitt also surprised a number of people when he derided Walters’ scheme to count – and no doubt, punish – undocumented students.

“Collecting 6-, 7- and 8-year-old kids’ addresses and immigration status in the state of Oklahoma – it’s not a public safety issue. Let’s go after the bad guys,” Stitt said.

He’s right. Demonizing children for something their parents may have done wrong – like crossing a border without proper documentation – is immoral. And turning them in to some group of nebulous authorities is shockingly cruel. If these kids are here, by whatever means, it’s to the advantage of the state to try to educate them.

Decent state officials should also be working to help with citizen-ship, or at least work permits, for the parents – unless they’re criminals, and that’s a different story. But blaming the children is unconscionable, which raises the question of whether Walters has a conscience.

Aside from that, Stitt also pointed out that thousands of dollars have been spent through litigation, and there have been questions surrounding the use of education funds. What he didn’t mention, but could have, is that Walters has been galavanting around the state, ostensibly to raise awareness about public education. But most Oklahomans know the truth: Whatever he’s doing, he’s doing for himself.

Stitt might be looking for greener pastures – such as a university presidency, or a run at a much higher level of presidency. Walters is widely regarded as planning to run for governor – a notion that’s dis-gusting, even for most hardline Republicans. The man has done nothing for this state’s education system except push it further down into the sewer. His arrogance in thinking he has a shot at leading the state is almost laughable – except it’s tough to predict what Oklahoma voters might do, even when faced with a self-serving individual like Walters who rules with an iron fist and a slanderous mouth against anyone who dares to cross him.

Walters seems far more keen on ingratiating himself with the Trump administration than looking out for the welfare of Oklahoma’s children, so Stitt’s move was correct. It’s likely that Stitt has seen how his legacy could be dragged down by Walters, and the time was right to take action. Good job, governor.