More than 300 leaders from 30 institutions across Oklahoma City and Tulsa came together for VOICE and ACTION's Statewide Accountability Session for Public Education. They brought their stories and an agenda for action: improving school transportation, supporting teachers, expanding mental and behavioral health services, and ensuring that all children, regardless of immigration status, know they have a right to a quality public education. 

Both candidates for Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction committed to, if elected, meet with VOICE and ACTION within their first 100 days in office and work with the organizations on their agenda.

Leaders shared stories demonstrating the need for urgent action on the shared challenges facing their communities.

"A seventh-grader's dad was picked up by ICE when she was getting off the bus to start her day," said Amanda Girdler, an assistant principal.

A family didn't have groceries for weeks because their sole breadwinner was taken by ICE… These practices are creating a consistent and unwavering feeling of fear. Students cannot learn when they are afraid. Teachers cannot 'just teach' through unrelenting trauma and fear."

"Families are struggling with mental and behavioral health issues," said Rev. Stephen Lashley, senior minister at Wesley United Methodist Church in Oklahoma City. "We want each school building to be equipped with qualified and vetted mental and behavioral health staff with the resources needed for everyone to succeed."

"I walk my children to school every day, and we have to cross a major street with no crosswalk or crossing guard,” said Joanna Fullmer, a leader with All Souls Unitarian Church. “My kids are 8 and 4, and I would never let them make that walk alone." 

The action was held at the University of Tulsa and organized in collaboration with the Tulsa Institute of Trauma, Adversity, and Injustice. A week later, leaders followed up with nonpartisan get-out-the-vote canvassing and phone banking.

The session builds on over a decade of VOICE and ACTION leadership development and public education organizing. That work includes listening to the concerns of families and educators and holding accountability sessions with candidates for state superintendent, Tulsa mayor, and three seats on the Tulsa Public Schools Board.

ACTION and VOICE Hold Statewide Accountability Session for Public Education, ACTION & VOICE [pdf]