Walters: Lifetime Bans Signal New Era of Accountability in Oklahoma Classrooms

Seven Lifetime Bans Issued Since New Policy Took Effect

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Under the leadership of State Superintendent Ryan Walters, the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) has taken aggressive action to protect students and restore integrity to the classroom. Since Walters took office, OSDE has brought 125 educator misconduct cases before the State Board of Education, resulting in over 20 formal revocations and more than 45 voluntary surrenders of teaching certificates.

A new process introduced by OSDE just six weeks ago is already delivering results: seven lifetime bans have been issued under a recently established option allowing a permanent certificate surrender in the most serious cases. This lifetime ban process is the first of its kind not only in Oklahoma but across the nation.

For the first time, Oklahoma has a formal mechanism to permanently remove dangerous individuals from the classroom and prevent them from continuing their careers in education elsewhere. These lifetime surrenders are entered into a national database, notifying other states and school systems to prevent future employment and safeguard students nationwide.

“Ensuring the safety of every student in Oklahoma is our top priority,” said 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 internal investigative team continues to work daily to uncover instances of professional misconduct, ethical violations, and criminal behavior among educators. Through tools like the statewide AWAREity tip system, students, parents, teachers, and community members can confidentially report safety concerns and misconduct, giving OSDE the ability to intervene early and take appropriate action.

The new lifetime bans have included allegations involving rape, sexual misconduct, inappropriate relationships with students, and other serious violations 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 committed to ensuring every classroom in Oklahoma is a place where students are respected, protected, and prepared to succeed.