'Was not expecting this reaction': TFCU pulls conference sponsorship after online uproar

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KOKH) — On Thursday, Tinker Federal Credit Union announced it pulled its sponsorship of the InspireOK 2024 education conference.

The decision followed an online uproar after public education advocates faulted TFCU for aligning itself with the event.

Jami Cole, an administrator of the Oklahoma Edvocates group comprised of teachers, parents, and public school administrators, noted "This is the first time I've really, and like I said I was not expecting this reaction at all. It kind of caught me off guard."

She posted an article about TFCU's sponsorship of the conference in the Oklahoma Edvocates' Facebook group—and said the reaction blew her away.

"Everybody was just piling on about if you're... going to align yourself with this, no matter what the reason you give, you're aligning against educators," she added.

The Oklahoma State Department of Education is organizing the event. Cole criticized State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters (R) and his attitude toward public education—and argued the conference reflects such values.

Cole asserted, "I think that we have gotten to the point where the teachers realize that the state superintendent that we have in office right now is not for public education."

Other sponsors include organizations like Turning Point USA, which advocates for conservative principles—as does another sponsor: the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs.

Cole argued these and other groups affiliated with the event signal the injection of politics into public education.

She called TFCU's announcement a small victory as teachers threatened to pull their money.

TFCU shared the following statement with FOX 25 regarding its decision:

In the past, TFCU has been an exhibitor at the inspire OK conference to give us an opportunity to talk to teachers about how TFCU can help provide financial education in their classrooms. TFCU will not be participating in the conference this year and has requested to be removed from all promotional materials. TFCU is committed to providing financial education across the state. Investing in our teachers is our goal, and our participation in this conference was never intended as a statement of support for any political agenda or policy.

OSDE declined to comment on the announcement.