April 28, 2022
Press Release Provided by State Attorney General John O’Connor
Wednesday, the Office of the Oklahoma Attorney General sent a letter to Oklahoma State Representative Anthony Moore (R – Clinton) encouraging him to pass legislation making clear that school restrooms should be designated based on biological sex for privacy and safety purposes.
Our office has received concerns about the Stillwater Public School restroom policy and inaccurate guidance from the State Department of Education on this subject. To be clear, Oklahoma public schools are not required to allow biological males in women’s restrooms, or vice versa. Period. Joy Hoffmeister’s recent guidance to the contrary appears to come more from a political candidate than from the State Superintendent. Several years ago, when the Obama Administration insisted that state public schools must allow biological males to use women’s restrooms and locker rooms, Superintendent Hofmeister correctly slammed it, calling it an “outrageous overreach by the federal government” that “nearly defies belief.”
Now, unsurprisingly, the Biden Administration is taking similarly outrageous and dangerous positions in relation to school restrooms, locker rooms, and the like. My office has taken action to combat this brazen overreach. But rather than join us in defending Oklahomans, Superintendent Hofmeister is apparently telling Oklahoma schools that “legal precedent” means Oklahoma must kowtow to the Biden Administration’s shameless agenda.
This is simply not true. No precedent requires Oklahoma schools to comply with Biden policies on these issues. The U.S. Supreme Court’s Bostock decision, as wrong as it was, did not address gender identity and restrooms. Rather, the Supreme Court expressly stated in Bostock: “we do not purport to address bathrooms, locker rooms, or anything else of the kind.”
In short, what was true five years ago is still true now: Schools are not required to ignore biology when designating restrooms. The federal government’s overreach is still outrageous and unbelievable. And the Attorney General’s office will fight this overreach at every step, with or without support from the State Superintendent.
On April 8, we sent a letter to Stillwater Schools’ Interim Superintendent Gay Washington, State Superintendent Joy Hoffmeister and Secretary of Education Ryan Walters making absolutely clear there is no legal requirement for such a policy. Oklahoma public schools are not required to reject biology and trample upon student privacy.
Yesterday afternoon our office received a request from Rep. Moore and other Oklahoma House members to give them similar guidance. Today, we sent Rep. Moore a letter reiterating that basing restrooms on biology is not against the law, and encouraging Rep. Moore while still in session to work toward passing legislation clarifying explicitly that policies like Stillwater schools are prohibited in Oklahoma.
To read the letters click here and here.
Relay for Life Fundraiser to be Hosted at SWOSU on April 26
Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) is hosting the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, the world’s largest fundraising event dedicated to helping communities in their fight against cancer, on Friday, April 26 from 6 p.m. to 11
Rep. Archer Talks House’s Proposed Budget
April 19, 2024 The Oklahoma House of Representatives rolled out their initial budget numbers earlier this week, which is a $12.6 billion appropriation to state agencies, programs and infrastructure.
High Speed Pursuit Ends in Beckham Co.
April 19, 2024 Multiple agencies from Oklahoma and Texas were led on a high speed pursuit Thursday that saw a Houston man arrested.
“All Clear” Given After Apparent Fake Bomb Threat at Elk City Middle School
April 17, 2024 Tense moments Wednesday afternoon after a bomb threat to the Elk City Middle School was made.
Elk City Man Injured in Dewey Co. Crash
April 17, 2024 An Elk City man was hospitalized Tuesday night after being involved in a one vehicle accident in Dewey County.
K9 Alerts Authorities to Fentanyl and Cocaine During Texas Traffic Stop
April 17, 2024 A man was arrested earlier this month in Shamrock, Texas after being discovered with fentanyl and cocaine.
SWOSU’s Dr. Tugba Sevin Named 2024 DaVinci Fellow for Language Initiative
April 17, 2024 SWOSU Press Release Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) is proud to announce that Dr. Tugba Sevin, Associate Professor in the SWOSU College of Arts and Sciences has recently been named the 2024 DaVinci Fellow
SWOSU Foundation, Inc. Awarded Heritage Preservation Grant
April 17, 2024 SWOSU Press Release Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) is proud to announce that the Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) has awarded the SWOSU Foundation, Inc. a grant through the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program.
Ellis Co. Man Dies in Monday Night Crash
April 16, 2024 A Gage man passed away Monday night after being involved in a two vehicle accident near Laverne in Harper County.
Man Accused of Vandalizing Home – Hitting Woman
April 16, 2024 A Sayre man was arrested earlier this month after he allegedly vandalized a home and punched a woman.
Adopt a Dispatcher
April 16, 2024 Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning reminds the public that there’s an easy way to show your appreciation to Beckham County dispatchers with this week being National Telecommunications and Communicators Week.
Storied Structure Helps Occupants Create Better Future
April 15, 2024 By Landry Brewer An old Elk City building has a new purpose.
Local Authorities Staying Sharp During Severe Weather Season
April 15, 2024 With spring storm season in full effect in western Oklahoma, one local sheriff’s office is staying sharp when they’re needed to accurately spot, track, and report when severe weather enters the area.
SWOSU Launches Pharm.D./MSHIM Dual-Degree Program
April 15, 2024 SWOSU Press Release Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) is proud to introduce the Pharm.D./Master of Science in Health Information Management (MSHIM) dual-degree program, which combines the Doctor of Pharmacy and master’s degree in health
February Sales Tax: I-40 Trio Up
April 15, 2024 The latest sales tax numbers have been released and western Oklahoma’s largest communities saw gains in collections when compared to the same time a year ago.
ECPS Partnering with Leadership Group
April 12, 2024 Elk City Public Schools has been selected to take part in a leadership program that, according to Superintendent Mike Sparks, will create more opportunities for the school district to build on success and continue
Excavation at New Fire Station Site Unearths Church Building Remnants
April 12, 2024 By Landry Brewer Dirt is being moved at the historic location for Elk City’s new fire station, and workers recently uncovered some of that site’s history.
Omar J. & Katie Rogers Scholarship Fund Established at SWOSU
April 12, 2024 SWOSU Press Release Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) with locations in Weatherford, Sayre, and Yukon has announced the establishment of the Omar J. & Katie Rogers Scholarship Fund.
Clinton Man Accused of Trying to Run Down Golfers
April 11, 2024 A bizarre story out of Custer County where a man was arrested after allegedly attempting to run over people while driving a vehicle near Riverside Golf Course in Clinton.
“Boots and Badges” Blood Drive Friday in Elk City
April 11, 2024 A special blood drive honoring a fallen firefighter is taking place tomorrow at the Elk City Fire Department.
40th Annual SW Farm & Home Expo This Weekend in Elk City
April 11, 2024 The 40th Annual Southwest Farm & Home Expo returns this weekend inside the Elk City Convention Center.
No Headlights Cause of Jackson Co. Wreck
April 10, 2024 A Weatherford teen was injured and hospitalized after being involved in a two vehicle accident last week in Jackson County.
Elk City High Fulfills “Oklahoma’s Promise”
April 10, 2024 According to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, seven high schools have been named “Oklahoma’s Promise 2023 State Champions,” leading the state in the number of graduates who met the requirements to receive
Trucker Charged After Hit and Run Incident in Beckham Co.
April 10, 2024 An arrest warrant has been issued for a California man after he allegedly sideswiped a parked pickup and camper trailer with his semi truck and trailer on the side of I-40 in Beckham County
Fire Crews Contain Elk City Apartment Fire
April 9, 2024 An apartment fire Monday afternoon in Elk City was contained to one unit.
ATV Accident Hospitalizes Elk City Man
April 9, 2024 An ATV accident on Saturday in Tillman County has hospitalized an Elk City man.
Fatal Accident Near Blair
April 9, 2024 A Granite woman has died Monday after being involved in a two vehicle accident north of Blair in Jackson County.
SWOSU Announces 2024 Distinguished Alumni
April 8, 2024 SWOSU Press Release Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) with locations in Weatherford, Sayre and Yukon has announced its 2024 Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame honorees.
Kit Plane Crash Prompts Search of Pilot
April 8, 2024 Beckham County officials assisted Troopers with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol into the investigation of the apparent wreck of a kit plane near Delhi on Thursday.
Sheriff Races Develop in Western Oklahoma
April 8, 2024 A race for the sheriff’s position in three local counties has developed after the three day filing period closed on Friday.
Henry Announces Run For Beckham County Sheriff
April 8, 2024 Provided Press Release My name is Wes Henry I am a republican and I am running for Beckham County Sheriff. In my 20 years of law enforcement experience, I have trained and worked in
School Board Seats Decided in Western Oklahoma
April 3, 2024 Local voters hit up the polls Tuesday to decide, among other things, various school board elections throughout the area.
“Choices Matter” To Bring Program to Local Schools
April 2, 2024 Local high school students in Beckham County will participate in a program that highlights the dangers of drinking and driving.
Single Vehicle Accident Injures Fay Man
April 2, 2024 Oklahoma Highway Patrol Troopers say a Fay man was hospitalized after being in a one vehicle accident late Monday Afternoon in Blaine County.
SWOSU Student Colter Esparza Wins 2nd Place in Category at Research Day at the Capitol
April 2, 2024 Colter Esparza, a student from Willow, Okla., studying in the Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU), received 2nd place in the Regional, Community, and Tribal College category at
Oklahoma Schools Win Sweepstakes at SWOSU SWIM
April 1, 2024 The annual Southwestern Oklahoma State University Interscholastic Meet (SWIM), Oklahoma’s longest running academic competition for high school and junior high students, recently took place at SWOSU on Thursday, March 28. Established in 1913, SWIM
SWOSU Announces Spring 2024 Jack B. Shelton & Walter Crouch Scholar
April 1, 2024 Johannes Becht of Pforzheim, Germany, has been named the Jack B. Shelton & Walter Crouch Scholar for the pursuit of authentic journalism for the 2023-2024 academic year at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU).
Dr. Geo Kelly Wins Bernhardt Academic Excellence Award at SWOSU
April 1, 2024 Dr. Geo Kelly, associate professor of marketing in the Everett Dobson College of Business and Technology, has been named the recipient of the 2024 Bernhardt Academic Excellence Award at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU).
School Board Races To Be Decided Tuesday
April 1, 2024 The election year continues tomorrow with local school board races being decided.
Scooter Accident Hospitalizes Michigan Man
April 1, 2024 A Michigan man was hospitalized Thursday night after wrecking a gas powered scooter in Beckham County.
SWOSU Honored for Collaboration with INTEGRIS Health
March 29, 2024 SWOSU Press Release On Thursday, March 7, Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) received recognition at the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education’s Business Partnership Excellence Awards Program for its collaboration with INTEGRIS Health.
Clinton Woman Accused of Abusing Cancer Patient
March 29, 2024 A Clinton woman is wanted in Custer County after being charged with aggravated assault and battery.
Manning Announces Candidacy For Re-Election As Sheriff
March 29, 2024 Provided Press Release Sheriff Derek Manning has announced that he will stand for re-election as a Republican candidate for the office of Beckham County Sheriff. Manning is completing his second term in office and
OK Space Port Could Benefit From Possible Tax Credit Program
March 28, 2024 NASA is running out of launch sites for its growing number of rockets into space. So the Oklahoma legislature wants to take advantage of the shortage by resurrecting a tax credit program to help
SWOSU Announces Major Charitable Gift from Koch Family
March 28, 2024 SWOSU Press Release Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) with locations in Weatherford, Sayre and Yukon has announced a major charitable gift from longtime SWOSU benefactors Rick and Sheila Koch of Weatherford.
Skate Park Addition Opens
March 27, 2028 By Landry Brewer Elk City is pumped over the new Ackley Park West attraction for wheeled-sports enthusiasts.
SWOSU Stafford Archive Awarded Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant
March 27, 2028 SWOSU Press Release The Al Harris Library at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) in Weatherford was awarded an Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant by the Oklahoma Historical Society.
EF-1 Tornado Confirmed Sunday Night Near Shamrock, TX
March 27, 2024 After a quick study, it was determined that a tornado did in fact touch down in the east Texas Panhandle Sunday night.
Candidate Filing Begins Wednesday, April 3rd in Roger Mills County
March 26, 2024 Beckham County Election Board Press Release Statewide election activity officially begins at 8 a.m. Wednesday, April 3rd, when the candidate filing period opens, the Secretary of the Roger Mills County Election Board said today.
Candidate filing to begin Wednesday, April 3,4,5, 2024 in Custer County
March 26, 2024 Custer County Election Board Press Release The statewide candidate filing period begins at 8 a.m. Wednesday, April 3, said Ann Brown, Secretary of the Custer County Election Board.
