Oklahoma education department issues lifetime bans under new policy

The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE), led by State Superintendent Ryan Walters, has implemented a new policy to enhance student safety and integrity in classrooms. Since Walters assumed office, the department has addressed 125 cases of educator misconduct, leading to over 20 formal revocations and more than 45 voluntary surrenders of teaching certificates.

A recent process introduced by OSDE allows for lifetime bans on teaching certificates in severe cases. This option has resulted in seven lifetime bans within six weeks, marking a first-of-its-kind approach not only in Oklahoma but nationwide. The mechanism aims to permanently remove individuals deemed dangerous from the classroom and prevent them from pursuing educational careers elsewhere. These lifetime surrenders are recorded in a national database to alert other states and school systems.

"Ensuring the safety of every student in Oklahoma is our top priority," stated Walters. "We now have the ability to permanently remove dangerous individuals from Oklahoma schools, and we’re using it aggressively. We will not compromise when it comes to student safety."

The department's investigative team continues its efforts to identify professional misconduct, ethical violations, and criminal behavior among educators. The statewide AWAREity tip system enables students, parents, teachers, and community members to confidentially report concerns, allowing OSDE to take early action.

The lifetime bans issued involve allegations such as rape, sexual misconduct, inappropriate relationships with students, and other serious breaches of professional standards.

"These numbers reflect our unwavering commitment to accountability and to creating a school environment where Oklahoma parents know their children are protected," Walters added. "This isn’t just a new process; it's a new era of accountability. Oklahoma is leading the nation in putting student safety first."

OSDE remains dedicated to ensuring that every classroom in Oklahoma provides an environment where students are respected, protected, and prepared for success.