TULSA, Okla., (The Oklahoma Post) –
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond’s recent letter to Governor Stitt’s newly appointed State Board of Education members has sparked debate over the role of the Attorney General in Oklahoma’s government. While Drummond urges board members to exercise independence from Governor Stitt and Superintendent Ryan Walters, his public commentary on the matter raises questions about whether his opinion crosses the line into an inappropriate political influence on an independent state agency.
Oklahoma Law and the Attorney General’s Role
Under Oklahoma law, the Attorney General serves as the state’s chief legal officer, responsible for enforcing laws, defending the state in legal matters, and issuing legal opinions when requested by state officials. However, Title 74, Section 18b of the Oklahoma Statutes defines the Attorney General’s duties, and nowhere does it grant him the authority to publicly direct or advise independent state boards on how they should exercise their discretion.
The Oklahoma State Board of Education operates under the Oklahoma Constitution (Article XIII, Section 5) and Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes, which vests the board with broad powers over public education policy. While the Attorney General can issue formal opinions when requested, his unsolicited advice to board members—especially when couched in political criticism—could be seen as an attempt to influence an independent agency outside of his constitutional role.
Political Commentary vs. Legal Oversight
Drummond’s letter goes beyond legal guidance and enters the realm of political commentary by criticizing the governor’s appointments and Superintendent Walters’ policies. His remarks on school security grants, transparency issues, and maternity leave for teachers, while possibly valid concerns, stray from the legal responsibilities of the Attorney General and into the political arena.
The Oklahoma State Board of Education members are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate. Under Oklahoma law (Title 51, Section 36.3), board members take an oath to uphold the state and U.S. Constitutions, but they are not bound by the Attorney General’s opinions unless he is interpreting law at their request. His assertion that board members must act “independently” from the governor—who appointed them—raises the question: if board members should not take direction from the governor, why should they take it from the Attorney General?
Separation of Powers at Stake
The separation of powers doctrine, a fundamental principle in Oklahoma’s Constitution, ensures that the executive, legislative, and judicial branches remain distinct. The Attorney General, as an executive officer, does not have the authority to dictate or pressure independent boards on policy matters. His role is to defend state agencies in court when necessary—not to serve as a policymaker or political commentator.
While transparency and accountability in education are important, it is ultimately the job of the Governor, State Board of Education, and Legislature to shape public education policy—not the Attorney General. Drummond’s letter, while framed as a call for independence, may instead set a troubling precedent for executive overreach into the affairs of independent agencies.
If the Attorney General wishes to reform public education, he has the same avenue as every other citizen: the ballot box and the legislative process—not directives issued to unelected board members through politically charged letters.
Having read whistleblower content from the Enid Greer Center (Liberty Healthcare Corporation) case and the Tulsa juvenile detention center case, I have come to the conclusion that Drummond has no place in Oklahoma politics.
Drummond Letter
Loading Viewer…
Link Below
(Writing by Rachel Meister; Editing by Robbie Robertson)
2025 -The Oklahoma Post – TheOKPost.com is dedicated to delivering relevant news and information to Oklahomans, sharing their stories, pictures, and experiences. The content on this website includes contributions from various individuals and links to external public and privately owned sources. The views and opinions expressed in user-generated content are solely those of the respective authors and do not necessarily reflect The Oklahoma Post. The Oklahoma Post does not independently verify the accuracy of third-party contributions and rely upon contributors to fact-check their work. By sharing links and allowing open contributions, TheOKPost.com exercises the right to free speech and providing a platform for diverse perspectives.