Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt is calling for a special audit of Tulsa Public Schools (TPS) for possible misuse of public funds.
“At the request of two Tulsa School Board members, today I am calling for a special audit of Tulsa Public Schools and the potential mishandling of public funds. As one of the largest districts in the state, TPS received over $200 million in COVID federal relief funds,” Stitt said.
Stitt also wants to investigate the possible teaching of Critical Race Theory (CRT). “I am also concerned that TPS may have violated state law, specifically HB 1775, which bans public schools from teaching critical race theory,” he added.
In March, the Oklahoma State Board of Education unanimously voted to ban teaching specific critical race theories, believing it has “no place in K-12 education.”
House Bill 1775 prohibits K-12 schools from teaching that one race is superior to another or that a person is inherently racist or oppressive. The bill also bans the teaching of anything in which students should feel guilt or despair for past actions by others of their race or sex.
“Specifically, the bill prohibits teaching that “one race or sex is inherently superior to another race or sex,” Stitt said. “I firmly believe that no, not one cent of taxpayer money should be used to define and divide young Oklahomans by their race or sex. Let’s teach students — not indoctrinate them.”
Tulsa Superintendent Deborah Gist says TPS will cooperate fully with the investigation and objects to allegations of misappropriation of funds.
“We welcome anyone who would like to come and take a look at the work that we do,” Gist said after a Tulsa school board meeting, per The Oklahoman. “I have complete confidence in our management of funds, and when something goes wrong, we’re going to act swiftly and decisively and repair the situation as we have done in this instance.”
