Oklahoma’s recently appointed Republican superintendent of public schools is under fire for his choice in appointing a right-wing social media influencer from New York to a state library advisory committee. Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters faced criticism from both sides of the aisle after announcing Chaya Raichik’s appointment to the committee. Raichik, known for her inflammatory posts on her Libs of TikTok account, has previously sparked controversy and even bomb threats in a local school district. State Rep. Mark McBride, chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, questioned the decision to appoint someone with no children and no ties to Oklahoma, when there are more qualified individuals in the state. Rep. Mickey Dollens also criticized the appointment, stating that it violates the department’s own rules for advisory committees. The Library Media Advisory Committee, responsible for recommending books and materials for school libraries, consists of volunteers appointed by Walters. In response to the backlash, Walters accused his opponents of being scared and claimed that Raichik’s appointment will help expose the agenda to indoctrinate children with a “woke” ideology and introduce explicit material into classrooms. Walters, who ran on a platform of fighting “woke ideology” and banning books from school libraries, has faced ongoing clashes with leaders from both parties since his election. The regular State Board of Education meetings chaired by Walters have now become platforms for airing political grievances, with people waiting for hours to attend. Walters’ decision to appoint Raichik comes shortly after a report revealed that he expensed travel for speaking engagements and media appearances, despite a ban on public spending for most out-of-state travel. The controversy surrounding his actions has only added to the criticism he is facing.
Oklahoma’s new Republican superintendent of public schools, Ryan Walters, is facing criticism for appointing a right-wing social media influencer from New York, Chaya Raichik, to a state library advisory committee. Raichik’s social media account often features anti-trans posts and clips targeting public school teachers. Her appointment drew bipartisan criticism, with lawmakers questioning the wisdom of appointing someone known for incendiary social media posts who does not have children or live in Oklahoma. The Library Media Advisory Committee is responsible for making recommendations on books and materials available in school libraries. Walters defended his decision, stating that opponents are scared of Raichik’s presence on his team and that he will continue to expose what he calls a woke agenda in schools. Walters, who ran on a platform of fighting “woke ideology,” has been involved in culture-war issues since his election and has clashed with leaders from both parties. The State Board of Education meetings chaired by Walters have become platforms for political grievances, with people waiting for hours to attend. This appointment comes shortly after a report revealed that Walters expensed travel for speaking engagements and media appearances, despite a ban on public spending for most out-of-state travel.
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