It turns out (again) that the Constitution does matter.
This past week, a federal judge approved a settlement in KFOR’s lawsuit alleging that Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters and the Oklahoma State Department of Education violated First Amendment protections by selectively limiting the TV news station’s access to public meetings and press briefings.
Beyond its agreement to include KFOR in communications and access opportunities, OSDE must pay KFOR $17.91 in damages, a simultaneously humorous and eye-rolling number in its reference. Sure, 1791 was the year the Bill of Rights was ratified, but it’s also something like a quarter of the price of a school Bible. Looming arguments about who will be ordered to pay what attorney fees await the court.
If you’re familiar with the footage of OSDE communications director Dan Isett playing offensive tackle in KFOR reporter Dylan Brown’s quest to question Walters, then you see how sports anchor Dylan Buckingham missed a real opportunity to analyze Isett’s hand leverage — and apparent penalties. It would have transitioned nicely after the weather segment above, and you know Walters would have offered a stern response on Twitter.
Of course, this is not the first time that protections of the Constitution have been challenged by state leaders this year, and that would be an alarming trend if it continues.
As always, it’s good to know the Constitution means something.
Other Sundaze comics from 2024
Ka-chow: Stitt cans McQueen in lightning move
Bye week blues underscore a world without Bedlam
Garbage politics: Almost done with mailer madness
Court opinions: Judicial retention put to the test
Opponents try to send Norman arena proposal into OT
Epic criminal case lives up to its moniker year after year
Helmet QR code asks fast-paced NIL game to hold still
New Oklahoma license plate left off some key ‘icons’
Like a troubled bridge over Northwest Expressway
Ahead of 2024 royal rumble, Hulk Hogan enters the ring
Oklahoma County complications: From the dart board to the court room
The Ryan Walters Bible mandate begs a prayer for relief
High water: OKC investments land Olympic events
The end of a Rocky road for Charles McCall, Greg Treat
While dirty details remain, Edmond sculpture park proposal has good movement
Annoying ABLE ID actions spur intoxicating new law
Drummond alleges cold, hard facts in pair of Winter Storm Uri cases
Cloudy eclipse could add sadness during darkness
While weird, bunny ears still healthier than Peeps
Race track ruckus: Stitt trying large wager again
Improper merging? Drummond gives Gatz a citation
Electric election: Norman’s shocking powerline politics
HB 1955 carveouts? Say hello to the beer and pizza tax
Boardwalk at Bricktown serves up hot pie in the sky
Pass the pizza rolls? Special session a lame pre-party
Will Edmond NIMBYs unite against the earthquakes?
Just the sip: ABLE Commission mixes a bitter beverage
Hello, 2024: Cheers to another year of art imitating life
