Walters touts new updated science standards, available for public comment through Jan. 21st

Walters: New Science Standards to Elevate  Education and Workforce Preparedness 

Oklahoma City, Okla (Jan. 2nd) – The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) has submitted updated Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science (OAS-S) for public comment through January 21, 2025. The new standards represent a transformative framework that raises the bar for all Oklahoma students. These standards are designed to prepare students with the essential knowledge and expertise required to excel in higher education and meet the demands of a rapidly evolving workforce. 

Rep. Cole tapped to chair powerful House Rules Committee, Rep. Lucas leading Science, Space, and Tech

Oklahoma's two most senior members of the United States House of Representatives have been tapped to head up House committees. Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04) will chair the powerful House Rules Committee, while Rep. Frank Lucas (OK-03) will chair the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee.

Sen. Dahm files bills to improve student learning

Sen. Dahm files bills to improve student learning

OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 4th) – Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, has filed legislation to improve student learning in the state of Oklahoma.

“As students return to school this month, now is a perfect time to ensure they will learn factual information rather than modern wokeness,” Dahm said. “These curriculum updates will provide students with an understanding of our philosophical underpinnings, teach them to reason, and allow them to think critically in the classroom.”

Legislature passes bill limiting birth certificates to biological fact of male or female

Truth prevails.

Male, Female Birth Certificate Designation Passes House

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 21st) – Rep. Sheila Dills, R-Tulsa, today secured passage of a bill that will limit the biological sex designation on an Oklahoma birth certificate to male or female.

Senate Bill 1100 would prohibit the designation of nonbinary as an option on birth certificates issued in the state.

"People are free to believe whatever they want about their identity, but science has determined people are either biologically male or female at birth," Dills said. "We want clarity and truth on official state documents. Information should be based on established medical fact and not an ever-changing social dialogue."

State Senate approves bills affirming biological sex at birth, protecting women's sports

Senate supports science with measures affirming biological sex at birth and its importance in women’s sports

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate gave approval to a pair of measures Thursday affirming biological sex at birth and placing importance on this designation for female student athletes across the state. Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, is the author of both measures.

Senate Bill 1100 would require the biological sex designation on Oklahoma birth certificates to be listed as either male or female, outlawing the use of “X” or any other symbol to represent a nonbinary designation.

“This measure is a direct response to our state’s health department adding nonbinary as an option on birth certificates,” Bergstrom said. “Like the vast majority of Oklahomans, I found this move to be a slap in the face of science. How has our society sunk so low that it is seriously an argument if someone is a boy or a girl? Biological sex is very clear, and our vital state records must reflect this.”

The Senate also passed Senate Bill 2, also known as the Save Women’s Sports Act, which would prohibit anyone of the male sex from playing on athletic teams designated for females, women, or girls.

In his debate, Bergstrom shared that he is passionate about this issue because of his daughters, granddaughters and great-granddaughters who have and will compete in women’s sports.

“We must protect our female students across this state from losing out on educational opportunities and scholarships because they are competing against men identifying as women,” Bergstrom said. “How is it fair for our children – our daughters, granddaughters, nieces and cousins – to compete against someone who has a very distinct biological advantage over them? The bottom line is it isn’t, and we must address this issue now and protect our female students from men infiltrating women’s sports programs.”

The measure comes on the heels of transgender athlete Lia Thomas’ dominating performance in the NCAA women’s swimming championships earlier this month. Previously known as Will Thomas, the swimmer had the benefit of higher testosterone levels, enhanced lung capacity, and larger hands and feet, lending to increased strength and a distinct advantage against biological females in the competition.

“It’s sad we even have to pass legislation designating that there is a difference between males and females, and that men have an advantage when competing against women,” said Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, co-author of the measure. “But I’m here to support our women and the future of women’s sports.”

SB 2 passed with bipartisan support on a 37-7 vote and is also co-authored by Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow; Sen. Rob Standridge, R-Norman; Sen. Marty Quinn, R-Claremore; Sen. Joe Newhouse, R-Tulsa; Sen. Roland Pederson, R-Burlington; Sen. Jake Merrick, R-Yukon; Sen. Blake Stephens, R-Tahlequah; Sen. Cody Rogers, R-Tulsa; Sen. Shane Jett, R-Shawnee; Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain; Sen. George Burns, R-Pollard; Sen. Zack Taylor, R-Seminole; Sen. Casey Murdock, R-Felt; Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant; and Sen. Darrell Weaver, R-Moore.

SB 2 now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature.

Dahm releases statement after passage of Save Women’s Sports Act  

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, released the following statement after the passage of Senate Bill 2, also known as the Save Women’s Sports Act, on Thursday. Dahm was a co-author of the measure.

Governor Stitt announces cabinet transitions

GOVERNOR STITT ANNOUNCES CABINET TRANSITIONS

OKLAHOMA CITY (June 29, 2020) – Governor Kevin Stitt today announced he has appointed Kevin Corbett as Secretary of Health and Mental Health and Elizabeth Pollard as Secretary of Science and Innovation as former Secretaries Jerome Loughridge and Dr. Kayse Shrum are returning to their full-time careers.

“We are fortunate to have the ability to promote talented people like Secretary Kevin Corbett and Secretary Elizabeth Pollard to ensure a seamless transition,” said Gov. Stitt. “They both have made significant impacts on our state in just a few months, and I am excited to work with them as we continue our momentum toward becoming a Top Ten state.”

Small: “Settled” science often becomes propaganda

“Settled” science often becomes propaganda

By Jonathan Small

In the famed 1925 Scopes “monkey” trial in Tennessee, defense attorney Clarence Darrow told the court it was witnessing “as brazen and as bold an attempt to destroy learning as was ever made in the Middle Ages, and the only difference is we have not provided that they shall be burned at the stake.”

What learning was Darrow defending? Access to a textbook that taught children that Darwinian evolution proved there are “five races or varieties of man” and the “highest race type of all” is “the Caucasians, represented by the civilized white inhabitants of Europe and America.” No surprise, the textbook author relegated blacks to the bottom tier.

As a black man with four daughters, this example shows why I am so skeptical when political activists claim “settled science” justifies their viewpoints, and why I am among those concerned by the State Board of Education’s approval of new science standards that explicitly reference evolution and climate change. The new standards could produce less valid instruction than classroom indoctrination.

Darwinian evolution remains controversial today not because people are “anti-science,” but because the theory has been used to justify institutional racism, government-mandated eugenics, and other forms of state-sanctioned prejudice. When people insist man descended from monkeys, they’re often quick to say certain people are more closely related to monkeys than others, as the Scopes trial illustrated.

Granted, state education officials downplayed Darwinian evolution even as they stressed explicit references to evolution. Essentially, they suggested schools will teach genetics and species modification. But those topics are already covered in Oklahoma schools, so why stress the word “evolution” in standards?

Today, racist attacks rely less on Darwinian theory, but one doesn’t have to search long to find examples of the theory being used to bash Christians or other people of faith in the classroom.

The thin line between science and political propaganda is also obvious with inclusion of “climate change” in academic standards. While associated lessons may focus on carbon dioxide emissions and estimated impact on climate, they too often devolve into unhinged attacks on farming and oilfield jobs—in other words, most of Oklahoma’s economy. If you doubt it, note the rhetoric of Swedish teenager and climate-change activist Greta Thunberg.

Even worse, climate-change activism literally endangers lives.  Calvin Beisner, founder of the Cornwall Alliance for the Stewardship of Creation, recently told an Oklahoma audience that raising people out of grinding poverty in third-world countries requires “access to abundant, affordable, reliant energy.” But global-warming advocates often argue for elimination of affordable fossil fuels that can free millions from disease and death.

Political extremism doesn’t belong in public schools, but Oklahoma’s new science standards may creak open that door, which is why parents should be given greater school choice than a building assigned based on geography, not quality. Those who insist extremism can’t enter the classroom are ignoring an important aspect of education: the lessons of history.

Jonathan Small serves as president of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs.

UCO changes mind, re-invites Ken Ham to speak

UCO CHANGES MIND - INVITES CHRISTIAN SPEAKER

After an overwhelmingly negative response in the media and from the public, President Don Betz of the University of Central Oklahoma has extended a personal invitation for Ken Ham to speak on the UCO campus.  Ham is the founder and president of Answers in Genesis, the Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter near Cincinnati. 

Ham had initially been invited to the campus by the UCO Student Government, but the invitation was rescinded after substantial bullying and intimidation was levied on UCOSA President Stockton Duvall by campus LGBT activists. 

“I am happy with the change of action,” said local pastor Paul Blair.  “I only wish there was a change of heart.” 

Blair is Senior Pastor of Fairview Baptist Church in Edmond.  Blair extended an invitation for Ham to speak at his church after UCO campus representatives broke the initial contract. 

“Subsequent university press releases continued to shirk any responsibility and confused the facts,” Blair added.  “They failed to protect the safety and well-being of student Duvall, neglected to protect Mr. Ham’s First Amendment rights and then refused to admit their mistake.” 

Blair continued: “The university has a record of spending substantial taxpayer dollars on Drag Queen Shows and Sex Carnivals. However, it resists allowing conservative or Christian voices to be heard.  There is a systemic problem that has still not been addressed.  I urge UCO alumni and legislators to act.  Oklahoma is a conservative state.  It is shocking to see a public university so out of touch with the people who fund it.”

Ham will be speaking on Monday, March 5, from 3 PM to 5 PM in Constitution Hall at UCO.  He will be accompanied in the campus presentation by Dr. Georgia Purdom.  Dr. Purdom (PhD, molecular genetics, Ohio State University) will address the topic “Genetics and the Bible.”  Ham will speak a second time that day at Fairview Baptist Church at 6:30 PM.  Fairview Baptist Church is located at 1230 N. Sooner Road in Edmond.  Topics will be different for both events.  There is no charge to attend either event, but seating is limited at both venues.

UCO boots Christian speaker Ken Ham from campus forum

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA RESCINDS INVITE 

TO CHRISTIAN SPEAKER

Nationally-renowned Christian speaker and author, Ken Ham, has been un-invited from a scheduled forum at the University of Central Oklahoma.  Ham had planned to speak about the science behind Darwinian theory but, inexplicably, objections from a campus LGBT group prompted UCO to cancel.

“Since the doors of our public university are closed, we will open our doors for interested students and members of our community to hear what Ken has to share,” says Paul Blair, Pastor of Fairview Baptist Church in Edmond. “I am greatly disappointed that a university that boasts of being ‘discrimination free’ on its website, openly discriminates against the free speech rights of Christians on the campus.” 

Ken Ham is a highly respected and sought after national speaker and the founder of the world-renowned Creation Museum.

Despite a speaking invitation from the UCO student government, and a contract (attached) with the university, Ham was told this week he is no longer welcome. Instead, Ham will give his presentation at Fairview Baptist Church in Edmond.

“It’s another case where the First Amendment exists everywhere except on college campuses,” says Pastor Blair.  “According to its Campus Expression Policy, UCO is committed to ‘fostering a learning environment where free inquiry and expression are encouraged’.  But apparently that only applies to speech that echoes specific political beliefs. The irony is, the groups promoting ‘tolerance’ are the most intolerant forces on campus.”

Ken Ham will speak at 6:30 PM, Monday, March 5, at Fairview Baptist Church, 1230 N. Sooner Road, in Edmond.  Admission is free but seating is limited to the first 500 attendees.

Extra: Contract between UCO and AiG/Ken Ham 

MORE: Here's some additional information from Answers in Genesis.

Private sector saves State Science Fair

Dr. James O. Young of Ardmore, OK

Amid continued budget issues, State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister announced earlier this week that the education department would not be allocating the $50,000 needed to hold this year's Oklahoma State Science and Engineering Fair.

Hofmeister explained to KFOR: “It was due to the budget cuts we had last year. There was a loss of $38 million to that fund and that line item really required deep cuts and decisions.”

However, according to a press release from State Rep. Pat Ownbey (R-Ardmore), it looks like the private sector has rescued the science fair.

Ardmore Man Donates $50,000 to Save State Science Fair

OKLAHOMA CITY – When James Young from Ardmore read that the State Science Fair was being cut from the Oklahoma State Department of Education’s budget this year, he decided to do something about it.

The constituent from state Rep. Pat Ownbey’s district called his representative to find out where he could send a check to save the event, which is held annually at East Central University in Ada.

“I thought this was just not right,” said Young. “I happened to have enough money to help. I may not be able to fix everything, but I can fix one thing.”

Young said his check for $50,000 is already in the mail, earmarked for the State Science Fair.

“It is the generosity of spirit of individuals like Mr. Young that make Oklahoma such a great place to work and live,” said Ownbey, R-Ardmore. “He saw a problem and instead of complaining, he decided he personally could do something to help. I am humbled by his kindness.”

Ownbey worked with the Oklahoma State Department of Education to find out where Young’s contribution could be sent and to ensure it would be used to hold the state’s science fair.

The department said that funding for the science fair was eliminated last year as part of $38.2 million in cuts to the Public School Activities Fund.

The U.S. Department of Commerce reports that over the past 10 years, growth in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) jobs was three times greater than non-STEM jobs, and that trend is expected to continue.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister praised Young for his generous contribution.

“It is now more important than ever to provide opportunities for students to establish strong foundations in STEM. In addition to equipping them to compete in the ever-changing job market, STEM skills promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are important in all aspects of life,” Hofmeister said. “We celebrate and are incredibly grateful for the support our schoolchildren receive from within the community, and Mr. Young is a tremendous example of what a difference it makes when parents and neighbors selflessly volunteer time and resources to support public education.”

Young said he earned a science degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State University and taught for a number of years before going back to school to earn his DDS. He practiced dentistry in Ardmore before retiring.

“Science fairs are just as important as athletics, music or art or anything else we do in school,” Young said. “There are a lot of kids involved in science fairs who don’’ get to participate in those other activities.”

Young said he worked with students in science fairs in the past and knows what this participation can mean for them. His oldest daughter participated in the International Science Fair in the 1980s, and he witnessed what that event meant to her. That led to his gift, he said.

Perhaps this is a better outcome. Why shouldn't the private sector step up and help fund programs that will be beneficial to the future economy of the state and nation?

House Passes Lucas-Bridenstine Weather Forecasting Bill

Lucas-Bridenstine Weather Forecasting Bill Passed in the House

Washington, DC, January 9, 2017 --  Today the U.S. House unanimously approved H.R. 353, the Lucas-Bridenstine Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act.  This legislation prioritizes protecting lives and property.

‘Every minute counts in the lead up before a major storm or tornado,” said Congressman Frank Lucas. “This legislation helps to give those in harm’s way additional disaster preparation time which could ultimately be the difference between life and death or thousands of dollars in property damage. I am encouraged that the House has taken action on this critical matter and hope to see these life-saving policies enacted soon.”

“Our aim is to have zero deaths from tornadoes and other extreme weather events,” said Congressman Jim Bridenstine. “This bill gets us closer to that day.  I thank my House colleagues for their support, and anticipate swift Senate passage and that the President will sign it into law.”

This legislation is the product of a bipartisan effort.  It directs the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to focus resources and effort to:

• Rebalance NOAA funding to place a higher priority on weather-related research and activities;
• Emphasize developing accurate forecasts and timely warnings of high impact weather events;
• Create programs to extend warning lead times and improve forecasts for tornadoes and hurricanes;
• Develop a plan to utilize advanced technology to regain U.S. superiority in weather modeling and forecasts;
• Increase focus and continue development of seasonal forecasts and how to maximize information from these forecasts; and
• Enhance coordination among various federal government weather stakeholders.

 The legislation also authorizes and extends a NOAA pilot program already under way thanks to a partnership between the House Science Space and Technology and the House Appropriations Committee. Under this pilot program, NOAA has already issued two contracts to procure commercial satellite weather data. This pilot program could bring about a paradigm shift in how NOAA makes decisions about future procurement of critical weather data.

House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Lamar Smith added, "Americans from coast to coast will now be better prepared for severe weather with the passage of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act.  This bill has been four years in the making and is long overdue.  It will transform our nation’s weather gathering efforts and help save lives and property.  This legislation strengthens the underlying atmospheric science while simultaneously advancing innovative technology and reforming operations to provide better weather data, models, and forecasts.  America can thank Reps. Lucas and Bridenstine for leading this innovation initiative.  We look forward to the Senate approving this bill soon."

The Washington Post called this “the first major piece of weather legislation adopted since the early 1990s.”  The legislation, originally introduced in the House in 2013, passed the House in 2015, and last December the Senate approved an amended version.  Provisions in the bill approved today are nearly identical to the Senate version, so we can anticipate swift passage again in the Senate and presentation to the President for signing into law.

Links to videos of remarks on the House floor:

Congressman Lucas- https://youtu.be/FmXeb1z7RTw
Congressman Bridenstine- https://youtu.be/tvR19_RzbDw
Chairman Smith- https://youtu.be/bWvm6IeBZns

The Conservative View: The Black Hole

This week's Conservative View, by Adair County Commissioner Russell Turner (R-Stilwell).

The Conservative View
by Russell Turner

The Black Hole

I have always had an interest in science and astronomy. The study of our universe and the dynamics involved should be of interest to anyone who wants to see the bigger picture of our existence, one of the most intriguing phenomena is that of a black hole. A black hole has such a strong gravitational pull that even light cannot escape its grip. Whatever goes into it is lost forever and it will never be seen again, that scenario is very similar to the way private attorneys are paid to work for state departments in Oklahoma.

Senate Bill 1379, by State Rep. Mark McCullough and State Sen. Anthony Sykes, would have created the Private Attorney Retention Sunshine Act and would have required state agencies hiring private attorneys to use a competitive, public process anytime the contracts are greater than $5,000. Unfortunately SB 1379 did not receive a final vote in the just completed session of the State Legislature. In other state and local agencies there are laws in place that require competitive bidding if the expenditure to any one vendor goes above a certain amount. The bids are a part of public record and are available for anyone to look at them. Often the agencies that have to solicit the bids consider the process a hassle, but we all need to remember that the money being spent belongs to the people. Anytime the public cannot have full access to the expenditure of taxpayer funds there is always the temptation to abuse that trust and waste or embezzle those funds.

According to The Oklahoman, state agencies spent over $24 million dollars on private attorneys over a three-year period. “Because outside attorneys are hired so often in Oklahoma, it is troubling that the public is not allowed to closely scrutinize those contracts,” State Rep. McCullough said. “I believe the Sunshine Act would reduce the chance for the misuse of taxpayer funds to enrich politically connected law firms and I will continue to fight for this important reform.” Even the Wall Street Journal published an editorial criticizing the lack of transparency in the state’s hiring of private attorneys. If Senate Bill 1379 had became law it would have required private attorneys to provide a statement of the hours worked on the case and attorneys could not charge the state more than $1,000 per hour. I guess in reality we don’t have to look to the cosmos to find a black hole, we should start at the state agencies and look at their legal costs.

If you wish to contact Russell Turner, or want to subscribe to his email loop, email him at rdrepublican@windstream.net.