Oklahoma lawmaker files joint resolution to disapprove proposed state social studies and science standards

An Oklahoma senator filed a joint resolution Thursday to disapprove proposed updates to state social studies and science standards. SJR 20 was filed by Edmond's Sen. Adam Pugh, who is a Republican. The measure would need to pass through the House and Senate before the standards can officially be rejected and be sent back to the Oklahoma State Board of Education.

READ MORE: 'We can't just read 400 pages in 36 hours': Board members & Walters at odds over social studies standards

The OSBE approved the standards on Feb. 27, but not without contention. The heart of the conflict lies between three newly elected State Board of Education members and State Superintendent Ryan Walters. In Thursday’s board meeting, board members Chris Van Denhende, Mike Tinney, and Ryan Deatherage reiterated they did not have adequate time to thoroughly review the standards, saying they were only given 36 hours to read 400 pages of standards before the vote. All three members, alongside their appointor, Gov. Kevin Stitt, previously called on state lawmakers to return the standards to the board for further review, a request that was acknowledged in the resolution.

The board members also raised concerns that the version of the standards they voted on was different from the copy they were emailed prior to the vote. Walters denied this claim at Thursday’s board meeting. Stitt said in a press conference Wednesday that he had seen emails sent to the board members with an outdated version of the standards that did not include the more than 200 changes made after.

Some of new social studies standards that drew major controversy from state lawmakers and advocates would require Oklahoma public schools to create lessons on bible teachings and direct students to “identify discrepancies in 2020 election results.” Walters defended the amendment, telling News 9 in March:

“Our standards are designed to teach students how to investigate and calculate the specific details surrounding that (or any) election.  In order to oppose or support the outcome, a well-rounded student should be able to make their own conclusions using publicly available data and details. “

The joint resolution also states that implementing the proposed standards comes with a “significant cost” to the tune of $33 million due to developing new curriculum and buying new textbooks to reflect the changes.

Additionally, lawmakers have instructed that copies of the joint resolution to be sent to Gov. Stitt, the State Department of Education, and the editor of “The Oklahoma Register.”

The state legislature has until May 1 to take action on the joint resolution. If not, the new standards would take effect in the 2025-26 school year for the next six years.

You can read the joint resolution here: