Oklahoma Supreme Court Stays New Social Studies Standards

Lead The Oklahoma Supreme Court issued a temporary injunction today blocking the implementation of controversial K-12 social studies standards championed by State Superintendent Ryan Walters, pausing them while a lawsuit proceeds in state court.

Nut Graf The court’s order freezes the new curriculum, which critics say promotes Christianity and election misinformation, and directs schools to continue using the 2019 standards. The decision underscores concerns over church-state separation and open-meeting violations, ensuring current teachings remain in place as legal challenges play out.

Main Part

Standards Blocked

  • Plaintiffs: A coalition of 33 parents, teachers and faith leaders sued in July, alleging the standards treat Bible stories as literal history, favor Christianity over other beliefs and include false claims about the 2020 election.
  • Court Order: The Supreme Court’s stay prevents state funds from being used to enforce the new standards and keeps the 2019 social studies benchmarks in effect during litigation.

Key Concerns

  • Church-State Separation: Critics argue the standards “promote Christian Nationalist disinformation” by embedding dozens of biblical references and presenting religious content as unquestioned fact.
  • Procedural Violations: The lawsuit claims the Oklahoma Open Meeting Act was breached when changes to the standards were voted on without public notice or proper board review.

Reactions

  • Plaintiffs’ View: Oklahoma Appleseed’s legal director called the block “a victory for transparency, fairness, and the constitutional rights of all Oklahomans,” saying it preserves an inclusive educational environment.
  • Dissenting Justices: Two justices dissent, arguing that the matter should first be tried in a lower court to resolve open-meeting questions and avoid disrupting the academic year.

Next Steps The case will return to the trial court for further proceedings on both the substantive and procedural claims. Meanwhile, Oklahoma educators will continue teaching under the 2019 standards until the Supreme Court issues a final ruling.