Introduction to the Controversy

The Oklahoma Supreme Court has temporarily halted the implementation of new social studies standards for K-12 public school students. These standards, which include misinformation about the 2020 election, were set to be introduced but have been put on hold due to a lawsuit. The court’s decision ensures that the previous social studies standards will remain in place until the case is resolved.

Background of the New Standards

The new social studies standards were revised under the direction of state Superintendent Ryan Walters. The revisions include language that promotes conspiracy theories about the 2020 election and suggests that the COVID-19 virus originated from a Chinese lab. These changes have been met with significant criticism from educators and parents who argue that the standards do not provide an accurate or unbiased view of social studies.

The Lawsuit and Its Implications

A group of parents and educators filed a lawsuit in May, challenging the new standards. They argue that the standards were not properly reviewed and that they represent a distorted view of social studies, favoring an outdated and biased perspective. The lawsuit led to the Oklahoma Supreme Court issuing a temporary stay on the implementation of the new standards.

Reaction from State Officials

The reaction from state officials has been mixed. Leaders in the Republican-led Oklahoma Legislature introduced a resolution to reject the standards, but it did not garner enough support to pass. State Superintendent Ryan Walters has been critical of the Supreme Court’s decision, stating that the court is "embarrassing" and out of step with most Oklahomans.

The Role of the Supreme Court

The Oklahoma Supreme Court’s decision to temporarily halt the implementation of the new standards is a significant development in this controversy. The court’s order ensures that the previous standards will remain in place while the lawsuit is being litigated. This decision reflects the court’s role in ensuring that educational standards are fair, accurate, and properly reviewed.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Oklahoma Supreme Court temporarily put on hold proposed new social studies standards for K-12 public school students that include conspiracy theories about the 2020 election.

The state’s high court issued a temporary stay on Monday while a lawsuit challenging the new standards is being litigated. The court’s order directs the State Department of Education to keep the previous social studies standards in place while the case is being decided.

At the direction of state Superintendent Ryan Walters, the standards were revised to include new language about the 2020 election and that the source of the COVID-19 virus was a Chinese lab, among other changes.

A group of parents and educators filed lawsuit in May, asking a judge to reject the standards, arguing they were not reviewed properly and that they “represent a distorted view of social studies that intentionally favors an outdated and blatantly biased perspective.”

Leaders in the Republican-led Oklahoma Legislature introduced a resolution earlier this year to reject the standards, but there wasn’t enough GOP support to pass it.

In a statement Tuesday, Walters said the Supreme Court was “embarrassing” and out of step with most Oklahomans.

Originally Published: September 16, 2025 at 12:57 PM EDT

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding the new social studies standards in Oklahoma highlights the importance of ensuring that educational standards are accurate, unbiased, and properly reviewed. The temporary halt on the implementation of these standards by the Oklahoma Supreme Court is a significant step in addressing the concerns raised by parents, educators, and lawmakers. As the lawsuit continues to be litigated, it remains to be seen how this situation will unfold and what the final outcome will be for the state’s educational standards.

FAQs

• Q: What are the new social studies standards in Oklahoma, and why are they controversial?
  A: The new standards include conspiracy theories about the 2020 election and suggest that the COVID-19 virus originated from a Chinese lab, which critics argue is misinformation and promotes a biased perspective.
• Q: Who challenged the new standards, and what are their arguments?
  A: A group of parents and educators filed a lawsuit challenging the standards, arguing that they were not properly reviewed and represent a distorted view of social studies.
• Q: What was the reaction of state officials to the controversy?
  A: State Superintendent Ryan Walters has been critical of the Supreme Court’s decision, while leaders in the Republican-led Oklahoma Legislature introduced a resolution to reject the standards, which did not pass due to lack of support.
• Q: What is the current status of the new standards?
  A: The Oklahoma Supreme Court has temporarily halted the implementation of the new standards until the lawsuit is resolved, directing the State Department of Education to keep the previous standards in place.