OSDE investigates schools for not observing silence for Charlie Kirk
By Jason Burger
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Oklahoma (KOCO) — The Oklahoma State Department of Education is investigating claims that a dozen school districts did not observe a mandated moment of silence for political activist Charlie Kirk.
Last week, State Superintendent Ryan Walters directed schools to observe a moment of silence in the middle of the day in honor of Kirk, who was killed on Sept. 10. Multiple districts previously told KOCO 5 that they already observe the moment of silence required by state law, providing time for students and staff to reflect, pray, meditate or engage in any other silent activity.
OSDE confirmed the investigation after receiving reports that the moment of silence was not held. Six of the districts under investigation are located in the Oklahoma City metro area, including Edmond, Deer Creek, Moore, Mustang and Norman public school districts, as well as Harding Fine Arts Academy.
But those districts told KOCO that they were not aware of any state investigation.
“Deer Creek School District has not received any formal notification regarding an OSDE investigation. The district has complied with all requirements, including lowering flags to half-staff and adhering to state law with a daily minute of silence,” the district said in a statement.
“Norman Public Schools has not been notified of any investigation. Without official notification, we cannot provide comment regarding an investigation,” Norman Public Schools said.
“We haven’t been notified of any investigation so we wouldn’t be able to comment,” Edmond Public Schools said.
An OSDE spokesperson declined to comment on potential penalties for the districts, citing the ongoing nature of the investigations.
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