Mother, disability rights advocate handcuffed at State Department of Education meeting

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — Audra Beasley took her three kids to the State Department of Education meeting so she could speak during public comment.

She left the meeting in handcuffs.

Beasley went to the meeting on Thursday morning to speak about transgender rights and access for those with disabilities.

It's something she's been a passionate advocate about for several years. Beasley was the charge behind "Max's Law", a push to put variable height changing tables for adults and children in publicly-funded buildings.

The bill was named after her child, Max, who has spina bifida.

Max was there with Beasley at Thursday's education meeting, where she made a fiery yet disjointed speech during the public comment period, calling out State Superintendent Ryan Walters.

"You are making a complete fool of yourself," Beasley said while making eye contact with Walters. "You're a downright embarrassment."

Time limits on public comment during the meeting constrained her speech. While walking away from the podium, Beasley continued to speak.

"What are y'all going to do?" Beasley could be heard yelling after she walked away from the podium. "You are so rude, you are a bigot and a bully."

"Thank you, Audra," Walters responded. "Your time is up."

Beasley continued to interrupt the meeting until she was led out in handcuffs by state troopers.

"My kids are crying, Ryan Walters!" Beasley screamed while being put in handcuffs.

After that, her three children were left alone at the Oliver Hodge building. Some of the kids were in tears after the meeting. A family friend eventually arrived to pick them up.

A spokesperson for the Oklahoma Highway Patrol said Beasley was arrested and taken to the Oklahoma County Detention Center.

According to OHP, she's facing two charges: One for wilfully disrupting state business and one for causing disruption/wilfully refusing to disperse or leave.

Beasley was booked into the Oklahoma County Detention Center. Her bond was set at $500.

"I understand some people may point their fingers and say she was out of line, but she was advocating for her child's needs," said one person who attended the meeting and saw what transpired. "I do not know how in the world these board members will go home and sleep tonight."

Records show Beasley has bonded out of jail.