Oklahoma GOP Lawmakers Seek to Punish Teachers Over Student Walkouts Against ICE

Republican legislators want disciplinary measures, including certificate revocation, against educators who may have promoted the protests.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Students across Oklahoma have staged walkouts during school hours over the past two weeks to demonstrate their frustration with immigration enforcement, and some Republican lawmakers want disciplinary measures, including certificate revocation, against educators who may have promoted the rallies. The lawmakers argue the walkouts breach attendance laws, disrupt the learning environment, and potentially violate professional educator standards. However, Democrats have commended students for exercising their First Amendment rights.

Why it matters

This issue highlights the ongoing tensions between students' rights to free expression and lawmakers' concerns about classroom disruptions. It also raises questions about the role of educators in facilitating or supporting student activism, and whether disciplinary measures against teachers would be an appropriate response.

The details

Fourteen Republican lawmakers signed a letter to the state schools superintendent, asking him to take a "public stand against these organized protests" and ensure schools remain focused on education rather than activism. The letter urged the superintendent to investigate reports of educators who may have facilitated the walkouts and enforce strict disciplinary measures, including certificate revocation. Meanwhile, Democrats have defended the students' actions, saying they are exercising their constitutional rights.

  • Over the past two weeks, students across Oklahoma have staged walkouts during instruction hours.
  • On February 12, 2026, the letter was sent to the state schools superintendent.

The players

Lindel Fields

Oklahoma state schools superintendent.

Julia Kirt

Senate Minority Leader, D-Oklahoma City.

Shane Jett

Chairman of the Oklahoma Freedom Caucus, R-Shawnee.

Adam Pugh

Chairman of the Senate Education Committee, R-Edmond, and a candidate for state superintendent of public instruction.

Cyndi Munson

House Minority Leader, D-Oklahoma City.

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What they’re saying

“Kids are kids. There is a trend of getting out of school and getting to get out of class. Kids are going to do that.”

— Kyle Hilbert, House Speaker, R-Bristow (The Oklahoman)

“If you really have something you stand up for, go do it on a Saturday. That would really impress me if you walked out on a Saturday and walked up and down the streets and protested. I'm all for that.”

— Lonnie Paxton, Senate Pro Tempore, R-Tuttle (The Oklahoman)

“I think what students are showing us is some courage and bravery around humility and taking care of our neighbors.”

— Cyndi Munson, House Minority Leader, D-Oklahoma City (The Oklahoman)

What’s next

The state schools superintendent will investigate reports of educators who may have facilitated the student walkouts and determine if any disciplinary measures, including certificate revocation, are warranted.

The takeaway

This issue highlights the ongoing debate over the balance between students' rights to free expression and lawmakers' concerns about classroom disruptions. It also raises questions about the appropriate role of educators in supporting student activism, and whether punitive measures against teachers would be an effective or appropriate response.