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Oklahoma

Oklahoma official Ryan Walters institutes Christian indoctrination in public schools

He has mandated that all fifth- through 12th-grade students must study the Bible.

Ryan Walters is too much even for Republicans in Oklahoma

The far-right extremist superintendent of public instruction keeps racking up losses.

Ryan Walters’s latest gambit fails as critics outnumber supporters at Oklahoma education meeting

Local parents and LGBTQ+ advocates say the ultra-conservative politician is trying to silence criticism.

Anti-DEI laws are forcing universities to grapple with a mass exodus of LGBTQ+ professors: study

New Williams Institute study finds an alarming number of professors in higher education considering leaving their states or the profession because of Republican laws.

New Biden administration Title IX rule protects transgender students’ bathroom & pronoun use at school

The updated rules enhance protections against discrimination based on sex, including for LGBTQ+ students, but leave the issue of transgender athletes’ participation in sports for further review.

Conservative ex-official warns of crisis in Oklahoma schools under anti-LGBTQ+ superintendent Ryan Walters

A former high-ranking official in the Oklahoma State Department of Education voiced deep concerns about the future of public schools, detailing systemic mismanagement and criticism of punitive measures taken against districts under his leadership.

Outrage after Oklahoma education superintendent reframes Nex Benedict’s death without naming the teen

Ryan Walters, the far-right politician responsible for schools in the state, spoke about “woke mobs” and claimed conservatives were under attack.

Nex Benedict's autopsy report released

The long-awaited report about the death of the LGBTQ+ Oklahoma teenager was released Wednesday.

First Lady goes to bat for LGBTQ+ rights: 'They want to take our victories away, but we won’t let them'

Amidst a backdrop of protest and advocacy, Dr. Jill Biden highlights the ongoing battle for LGBTQ+ rights and remembers LGBTQ+ teen Nex Benedict.

Outrage after Oklahoma prosecutor declines charges in Nex Benedict bullying death

Adocates and community members are outraged that Stephen Kunzweiler, the Tulsa County district attorney, has decided not to pursue criminal charges in the death of the transgender teen.

'Free Mom Hugs' volunteer labeled 'groomer' by hate group. Here's how she responded.

After the co-founder of Moms for Liberty attacked a volunteer for supporting LGBTQ+ kids, the volunteer explains why she supports young queer people.

Toxicology experts say death from medications in Nex Benedict case ‘very, very uncommon’

Following the announcement that the teenager’s death was suicide through the combined toxicity of two common medications, The Advocate spoke with experts about the risks of these drugs.

'Death by bullying' — teen’s suicide finding elicits anger and sadness among Oklahoma’s LGBTQ+ community

In the wake of the medical examiner's report, queer Oklahomans have called out the bullying Nex Benedict endured. “Even if it is a suicide, it’s still by bullying,” one person said.

Nex Benedict died by suicide, says Oklahoma medical examiner

The coroner’s report indicates that Benedict died from a toxic mix of diphenhydramine and fluoxetine.

In GOP-led states with anti-LGBTQ+ laws, school hate crimes quadruple: report

A recent analysis highlights the rise in incidents and the critical role of crisis services for LGBTQ+ youth in the wake of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.

Chaya Raichik loses it after Chasten Buttigieg calls out Libs of TikTok for being unqualified for her goverment post

The anti-LGBTQ+ creator unleashed homophobic remarks on the Buttigiegs after Chasten criticized her for being unqualified to consult on children’s educational issues.

Oklahomans to Libs of TikTok's Chaya Raichik: 'Stay out of our state'

Parents and organizations have released an open letter to the hate-spreader ahead of her potential Oklahoma visit.

What Owasso police, school and Oklahoma’s chief medical examiner have said about Nex Benedict’s death

Owasso police shared a new statement with The Advocate about Nex's death and media reports about what happened.

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Oklahoma High School’s atmosphere of bullying exposed in wake of Nex Benedict’s death

Former and current students complain that they are subjected to bullying with little to no intervention by Owasso school officials.

Federal investigation opens into Owasso Public Schools after death of Nex Benedict

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights has initiated an investigation into the Oklahoma school district where the 16-year-old sophomore went to school and was bullied before his death.

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