Quick Read
- Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters faces an investigation after nude images reportedly appeared on his office TV during a board meeting.
- Board members Becky Carson and Ryan Deatherage reported the incident, describing the images as explicit and unsettling.
- State leaders, including House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, are demanding transparency and a third-party investigation.
- Walters and his spokesperson dismissed the allegations as politically motivated attacks.
- Governor Kevin Stitt expressed disappointment but refrained from immediate conclusions, emphasizing trust in his appointees.
Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters finds himself at the center of a political and ethical storm following allegations that nude images appeared on a television in his office during a State Board of Education meeting. The incident, which reportedly took place on July 24, 2025, has sparked intense scrutiny, calls for transparency, and demands for an independent investigation into the matter.
The Incident That Sparked Controversy
According to board members Ryan Deatherage and Becky Carson, the images were visible on a television screen in Walters’ office while they were in an executive session discussing sensitive topics such as teacher licensing and student attendance appeals. Carson described the images as unmistakably explicit, initially thinking the women were wearing bodysuits but later realizing they were nude. Walters reportedly turned off the television immediately after the images were noticed.
The executive session was attended by other board members, but not all had a clear view of the television. Chris Van Denhende and Michael Tinney, who were also present, stated they did not see the images but observed that Walters appeared visibly flustered. Representative Dick Lowe, who attended part of the meeting, confirmed hearing about the incident directly from Carson and Deatherage afterward. In an interview with The Oklahoman, Lowe stated, “I have no question that this is true, though I don’t know all the facts.”
Political and Public Reactions
The fallout from the incident has been swift and widespread. House Speaker Kyle Hilbert has called for Walters to “unlock and turn over all relevant devices” as part of an external review. In a statement to CNHI News, Hilbert described the allegations as serious and emphasized the need for transparency to either confirm or clear Walters’ name.
Senate President Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton echoed similar concerns, labeling the situation as “bizarre and troubling.” He confirmed that the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) is leading an inquiry to uncover the facts. Senator Adam Pugh, who chairs the Senate Education Committee, also voiced his expectation for a thorough investigation, highlighting the importance of clarity and accountability.
On the other hand, Walters and his spokesperson, Quinton Hitchcock, have pushed back against the allegations, describing them as politically motivated attacks. Hitchcock referred to the board members’ accounts as a “junk tabloid lie,” while Walters accused certain board members of prioritizing distractions over their responsibilities to Oklahoma families. Walters has been a polarizing figure since assuming office in 2023, known for his efforts to root out what he calls “porn” from school libraries and to remove underperforming educators.
Governor’s Position and Broader Implications
Governor Kevin Stitt, who appointed Carson and Deatherage to the State Board of Education, expressed disappointment over the allegations but refrained from drawing immediate conclusions. “I trust and appreciate my board members,” Stitt said in a statement to The Oklahoman. “Should these allegations be true, all I can say is that I am profoundly disappointed.”
The incident has added another layer of complexity to Walters’ tenure, which has already been marked by tensions with the board. In recent months, board members have questioned Walters’ authority on a range of issues, including free school lunch programs and teacher certification requirements. Carson has also publicly criticized Walters for withholding information from the board, such as a resignation letter addressed to both the board and the superintendent.
The Path Forward
As the investigation unfolds, lawmakers and education officials are urging patience and due process. Representative Hilbert has emphasized the importance of a third-party review to ensure impartiality. Meanwhile, House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson, a Democrat running for governor in 2026, has called for new leadership at the Oklahoma State Department of Education, citing the incident as indicative of broader issues within the agency.
The controversy raises significant questions about leadership, accountability, and the standards to which public officials are held. With the investigation ongoing, the outcome could have far-reaching implications not only for Walters but also for the political landscape in Oklahoma.
As this story develops, all eyes remain on the findings of the investigation and the steps that state officials will take to address the situation.