'I wanna see it': State Rep. wanting evidence in Walters' pornography in schools claim
OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — Oklahoma State Representative Mark McBride is looking for answers, from State Superintendent Ryan Walters.
McBride wants to see evidence of Walters' claim of pornography in Oklahoma schools.
And he wants that evidence at a meeting tomorrow.
"Come to the legislature and talk to us he hasn't been up here and talk to us," said Rep. Mark McBride, R-Moore, OK.
McBride has formally requested Walters to Thursday's House Appropriations Budget Education Subcommittee meeting, to show the evidence of pornography in public schools.
"This is a talking point of the Republican party and I am Republican but I'm not extremely far right," McBride said. "This is a talking point and I don't think this is happening in Oklahoma but I don't know if it is. Show me. I wanna see it," said McBride.
McBride says several members of the committee have questions for Walters as well and that he hopes Walters appears.
It was just last week at an OSDE board meeting Walters showed images of books he called pornographic, including pictures of sexual acts.
"I have never had anybody text call or message or anybody supporting his allegation. I have lots of people saying something needs to be done," said McBride.
And what needs to be done, McBride says, also includes, a change to Walters' rhetoric on this topic.
"The campaign rhetoric and having someone who ran your campaign that's a campaign strategist consultant working in your office that's a problem. we need someone with education experience in the office, not a political hack," said McBride.
Also at issue, the rules OSDE has passed that would downgrade a district's accreditation for having pornographic materials.
McBride says they don't have the authority to make such a rule.
In a letter of council from the attorney general's office, it states "while the board has general rulemaking authority... the board must identify a specific grant of authority from the legislature."
"He has no guidance from the legislature. He's shooting from the hip that he's go the authority to rule make and he does not have that authority without the legislature's guidance," said McBride.
McBride has ask for a full opinion from the attorney general's office, which would have more power.
McBride says that might not come in until the end of the session, which is May 26th.