Gov. Stitt Issues Executive Order To Push Against Teaching Unions

In an executive order, Gov. Kevin Stitt urges the state Board of Education to remind teachers they are not required to join a union.

"It is time we fight back against the liberal unions that have been keeping a strangle hold on their cut of teacher pay," Stitt said. "And stand up for Oklahoma educators’ first amendment rights."

One of the state's largest unions, the Oklahoma Education Association, said its organization has always been opt-in.

"This order only distracts from real issues like the educator shortage crisis and Oklahoma ranking 49th in education funding," the OEA said.