The police chief and three officers in Geary, Oklahoma resigned, leaving the town’s entire police department empty. Additionally, two city council members stepped down, leaving just one member in the council due to an earlier vacancy. The city has assured citizens that normal services will be maintained, with assistance from sheriffs’ offices in nearby counties and an interim police chief, reportedly veteran law enforcement officer JJ Stitt. The reasons for the resignations were not clearly stated, with former police chief Alicia Ford describing the decision as a difficult but correct one. Council member Glen “Rocky” Coleman Jr. noted a mismatch in values and lack of administrative communication as his reasons for resigning.
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As an Oklahoman parent and a concerned citizen, the recent news of top education officials attempting to mandate the Bible in public school classrooms is not only outrageous but a blatant violation of the separation of church and state. The attempt to bypass the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment under the guise of academic necessity is laughable. Ryan Walters, in Oklahoma, is pushing for the integration of the Christian Bible into core subjects like math and science, claiming it’s for historical context. But let’s be real, this is a clear attempt to indoctrinate children into one specific religion under the guise of education.… Continue reading
It’s truly astonishing how far some individuals are willing to go to please their political idols. The recent mandate in Oklahoma public schools requiring Bibles to be the exact Trump-endorsed versions seems like a surreal and dystopian reality. The fact that taxpayer dollars are being funneled into the pockets of a former president for his endorsement on these specific Bibles is nothing short of a grift.
The bid specifications for these Bibles, which must contain the King James Version with various other governmental documents, seem to be tailored to exclude most competitors, leaving only the Trump Bible as the suitable candidate.… Continue reading
As I sit here reading about the situation in Oklahoma, I can’t help but feel disbelief and outrage at the revocation of a teacher’s license for simply providing her students with a QR code to access a library in Brooklyn. The fact that state officials have spent two years working to pull her license seems like a gross abuse of power and a clear violation of her right to free speech and expression. It’s disheartening to see such vindictiveness and pettiness from those in positions of authority.
Summer Boismier’s decision to stand by her beliefs and refuse to apologize for sharing publicly available information with her students is commendable.… Continue reading
Former United States Senator Jim Inhofe has passed away at the age of 89, leaving behind a controversial legacy that has stirred up mixed emotions among many. Inhofe was known for his adamant rejection of climate science, famously demonstrating his belief that global warming is a hoax by bringing a snowball into the Senate while arguing his case. His stance on issues such as climate change, same-sex marriage, and English being the national language of the United States has left a lasting impact on his political career.
As news of Jim Inhofe’s passing spreads, it has sparked a range of reactions from people across the country.… Continue reading
The Satanic Temple continues to shake up the status quo with their latest plan to place ministers in Oklahoma schools if a new bill becomes law. And to be honest, I couldn’t be more excited about it. Finally, a group willing to challenge the Christian domination in spaces where it shouldn’t belong.
This bill, which would allow volunteer chaplains in public schools, comes with some interesting strings attached. Background checks are required, and chaplains cannot have a history of felonies or being a registered sex offender. It seems like a low bar for the Satanic Temple, but a high bar for the Catholic Church.… Continue reading
As an Oklahoma student, I am deeply affected by the recent tragic death of a fellow student, Nex, who was a trans individual. The news of Nex’s passing due to bullying is not just heartbreaking but also a stark reminder of the harsh reality that many LGBTQ+ students face every day. Bullying and discrimination should never be tolerated, especially within the education system, where students should feel safe and supported.
The fact that 40 students walked out in protest of the bullying policies at the high school is a powerful statement. It signifies that the younger generation is not afraid to stand up for what is right and demand change.… Continue reading
As I reflect on the tragic death of Nex Benedict and the aftermath that has unfolded in Oklahoma, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of sorrow and anger. The fact that a young individual faced months of bullying and ultimately lost their life is heartbreaking. Regardless of the specific circumstances surrounding Nex’s death, the reality is that hate and discrimination played a role in this tragedy.
The idea that elected officials in Oklahoma would refer to LGBTQ+ individuals as “filth” is not only appalling but indicative of a much larger issue at hand. Hate has long been a foundational principle in Oklahoma, as evidenced by the historical injustices faced by Indigenous Peoples, African Americans, poor people, and the LGBTQ+ community.… Continue reading
I can’t shake off the feeling of deep sadness and anger after reading about the tragic death of Nex Benedict, a nonbinary teen in Oklahoma. The circumstances surrounding their passing are shrouded in mystery and deception, particularly with the recent statement from Oklahoma police claiming that Nex’s death was not a result of injuries sustained in a high school fight. As I sit here grappling with my emotions, one thing is abundantly clear — the truth must be uncovered, justice must prevail, and accountability must be upheld.
The timeline of events leading up to Nex’s untimely death is disturbing and raises countless questions.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker