Oklahoma Equality Law Center’s Statement on Oklahoma State Board of Education’s Actions at October 26th 2023 Meeting
“Ryan Walters is a bully that has weaponized the Oklahoma State Board of Education to attack Oklahoma families while disregarding his oath to uphold the Oklahoma Constitution. Today’s behavior by the Oklahoma State Board of Education to single out two of the most vulnerable students in the state for purely political gain is abhorrent and irresponsible and disregards well-established Opinions of Oklahoma Attorneys General, established legal precedent of the Oklahoma Supreme Court, and the Oklahoma Constitution.
Ryan Walters is behaving in a manner that “lacks any safeguards to limit political opportunism” as warned by Attorney General Gentner Drummond in his recent April 2023 Attorney General Opinion which cautioned the Oklahoma State Board of Education of its lack of authority to pass rules and attack individual families with nonsensical conclusions that disregard Oklahoma District Court Orders.
Ryan Walters pays no respect to the law and does not care for the well-being of Oklahoma Students and their families. We will see you in Court.”
Joshua Payton, Attorney at Oklahoma Equality Law Center
Anonymous
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Tyler
“I am a transgender man in Oklahoma. Joshua Payton helped me have my gender legally changed through the Oklahoma court system. I initially thought this was impossible and I am grateful he was there to help me navigate this difficult situation. He has most recently helped me by reaching out to other attorneys and putting me in contact with one for a malpractice lawsuit. I am thankful to have an LGBTQ+ accepting attorney to fall back on when I have legal questions.”
Shelly Skeen, Senior Attorney at Lambda Legal
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