Ryan Walters facing ethics investigation over departure from office

OKLAHOMA CITY — Former state Superintendent Ryan Walters is under an ethics investigation again, this time over an alleged conflict of interest.

The Oklahoma Ethics Commission revealed Tuesday it is gathering materials and information regarding Walters’ departure from office. Walters, who did not immediately return a request for comment, resigned Sept. 30 to become the CEO of the Teacher Freedom Alliance, a conservative nonprofit that he promoted through his elected position.

The Ethics Commission has not disclosed specifics of what it is investigating — only that the inquiry centers on conflict of interest rules — and is not required to make public the complaints it has received.

However, Rep. Ellen Pogemiller, D-Oklahoma City, filed an ethics complaint against Walters on March 25 over his use of state resources to endorse the Teacher Freedom Alliance, alleging he violated rules governing state officers and private economic interests. She renewed her complaint after Walters announced he would resign to join the organization.

Walters issued a news release March 10 on the Oklahoma State Department of Education letterhead, touting the Teacher Freedom Alliance as an “alternative to woke teachers’ unions.”

Pogemiller alleged this violated rules that prohibit public officeholders from using state resources to endorse or give preferential treatment to a private entity.

“Superintendent Walters’ endorsement is intended to result in increased membership and financial benefits for (the Teacher Freedom Alliance) at the expense of competing labor organizations, which is a blatant misuse of official position,” her complaint states.

Pogemiller worked for the state’s largest teacher union, the Oklahoma Education Association, until she took office as a House lawmaker.

She said she is grateful the Ethics Commission is investigating Walters.

“Oklahomans deserve accountability when taxpayer dollars are used for personal gain,” Pogemiller said.

Walters already has paid $23,300 to settle other ethics complaints over contributions to his 2022 campaign for state superintendent and regarding his social media activity while in office.

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