Conflict between Oklahoma's Governor and Schools Chief on Immigration Data Collection

Ryan Walters, who transitioned from a high school teaching role to being elected as Oklahoma's state superintendent of schools in 2022, is endeavoring to overhaul the state's education standing, last ranked 49th.

Walters expressed his commitment to fundamentally transforming the education system in Oklahoma. "Our ranking was 49th when I took office, and we're initiating major shifts to alter that," he remarked in a conversation with CBS News.

Amidst tackling educational reform, Walters is also focusing on aligning with former President Trump's plans concerning widespread deportations.

Walters emphasized the importance of channeling resources to aid President Trump's objectives. "Supporting the actions envisioned by President Trump should be our goal," Walters asserted.

A pivotal decision by the Oklahoma State Board of Education earlier this year necessitated the declaration of students' immigration status at school enrollment. Walters indicated he would distribute this information to federal agencies. This decision awaits further legislative approval in Oklahoma, with discussions already underway and a potential vote on the horizon.

Walters justified the measure by referring to an executive order issued by Trump at the onset of his second term, allowing Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations near educational and religious institutions. "This executive mandate prompted us to take serious action in Oklahoma, compelling the collection of required information from schools," he explained.

Walters' stance sparked opposition, inciting protests during his visit to Carnegie Elementary School in Tulsa.

Notably, Governor Kevin Stitt, a staunch conservative whom Walters initially met at a tennis game, emerged as a prominent critic of Walters' initiatives, despite having supported his political aspirations.

Governor Stitt questioned the federal government's demand for students' immigration details, arguing he never heard President Trump demand such specific data. "President Trump's remarks have consistently focused on monitoring entries into the country and expelling criminal elements, never targeting children's immigration statuses for collection," Stitt remarked to CBS News.

A representative from the White House clarified that there's no direct mandate to scrutinize or act within schools or churches regarding undocumented individuals or gangs hiding there.

The spokesperson emphasized that agents act with significant discretion, requiring additional supervisory approval for operations in sensitive locations like schools or churches. These actions are expected to be extraordinarily uncommon.

Governor Stitt, in response to Walters' proposition, made a decisive move by changing three members of the Oklahoma State Board of Education. "Upon learning of this rule, I immediately mobilized all my efforts to overturn it," Stitt declared.

While Governor Stitt stands resolutely against the policy, Walters remains undeterred in his pursuit. "I disagree completely with the governor," Walters countered, insisting that adherence to executive directives remains his priority.

Determined to proceed, Walters concluded, "Our pathway will remain unchanged, adhering to set executive directives."