Criminal Justice
What is the purpose of the Pardon and Parole Board?
Nowhere is the purpose of the Board spelled out. Occasionally a statutory scheme will begin with the title of the act, then define the terms of the act, and it will occasionally spell out a purpose. Such a purpose is nonexistent in Oklahoma law, at least with respect to the Board.
Education
Thousands of ‘ghost students’ in Oklahoma schools
Newly released enrollment figures show districts across Oklahoma are likely receiving state funding for students who no longer attend classes there, informally referred to as “ghost students.” In some cases, districts are being funded for hundreds or even thousands of such nonexistent students.
Law & Principles
Oklahoma Democrats seek removal of gender language
Democratic members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives called for elimination of gender-specific language in the House’s operating rules during that chamber’s organizational meeting on Tuesday.
Higher Education
From climate justice to transgender studies, Oklahoma higher ed is hiring
If you doubt that progressive indoctrination is widespread in Oklahoma’s tax-funded higher education system, simply visit the website of The Chronicle of Higher Education on any given day and peruse the job postings.
Law & Principles
Oklahoma House leaders promise ‘big things’
The top two leaders of the Oklahoma House of Representatives promise lawmakers will work on “big” policy measures in the pending legislative session, although they provided few specifics.
Family & Community
McGirt may limit law enforcement protection for citizens
Those potentially left without protection may include many tribal citizens who were supposed to be among the biggest beneficiaries of the ruling.
Energy
Agency reports predict wide range of McGirt problems
The Seminole Nation has indicated it plans to impose a tribal tax on oil production within its territory, representing the latest repercussion of the U.S. Supreme Court’s McGirt v. Oklahoma decision that declared a tribal reservation was never disestablished in Oklahoma.
Education
OEA members oppose measurement of students’ learning loss
The Oklahoma Education Association continues to oppose school reopening as well as public measurement of student learning that would let parents know how severe a child’s learning loss has been as the result of school shutdowns.
Criminal Justice, Family & Community
Defunding the police is not the answer
Defunding the police is an unserious solution in search of a problem.