Oklahoma Republican Lawmakers Demand Probe of Student Walkouts

Lawmakers call for investigation into student protests against ICE tactics during school hours

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A group of Republican lawmakers in Oklahoma have urged the state's top education official to investigate student walkouts that have occurred over the past two weeks. The lawmakers, including members of the far-right Freedom Caucus, are calling for an investigation into whether students violated truancy laws and potentially revoking teaching licenses of any educators who may have promoted or facilitated the demonstrations, which they described as 'politically charged protests'.

Why it matters

Student walkouts have been a longstanding form of youth protest in Oklahoma, dating back decades. However, the Republican lawmakers' calls for investigation and potential disciplinary action against students and teachers have raised concerns about stifling students' rights to free expression and civic engagement.

The details

The lawmakers' letter, issued on Tuesday, urged state Superintendent Lindel Fields to publicly oppose the demonstrations against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) tactics. While the Oklahoma State Department of Education stated it has been in contact with school leaders to ensure student safety, the agency did not condemn the protests nor promise an investigation. Local districts have the authority to regulate on-campus demonstrations and discipline students for attendance policy violations.

  • Over the past two weeks, students across Oklahoma have walked out of public high schools to hold demonstrations against ICE.
  • On February 12, 2026, 14 Republican lawmakers, including members of the Freedom Caucus, signed a letter calling for an investigation.

The players

Lindel Fields

The state Superintendent of Public Instruction in Oklahoma.

Adam Pugh

The Republican leader of the Oklahoma Senate Education Committee, who is running for state superintendent.

Julia Kirt

The Democratic Senate Minority Leader in Oklahoma.

Kyle Hilbert

The Republican Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

Lonnie Paxton

The Republican President Pro Tempore of the Oklahoma Senate.

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What they’re saying

“We've seen youth through the centuries be leaders in movements, and I think instead of shutting it down, when you see kids in El Reno, kids in Mustang, kids in Oklahoma City, kids in Tulsa, kids in rural areas speaking about the same thing, we should be listening.”

— Julia Kirt, Senate Minority Leader (Oklahoma Voice)

“Implying that educators are helping organize the demonstrations 'is really disappointing to me because what I've seen is only them trying to keep (students) safe.'”

— Julia Kirt, Senate Minority Leader (Oklahoma Voice)

What’s next

The Oklahoma State Department of Education has stated that local districts have the authority to regulate on-campus demonstrations and discipline students for attendance policy violations. The state superintendent has not yet indicated whether an investigation will be launched.

The takeaway

The Republican lawmakers' calls for investigation and potential disciplinary action against students and teachers who participated in the walkouts have raised concerns about the right to free expression and civic engagement for young people in Oklahoma. The response from education officials will be closely watched as this issue continues to unfold.