The month of May was marked by severe weather, the conclusion of the Oklahoma legislative session and other current issues. Guest columnists shared their thoughts on a variety of topics for our opinion platforms this month. Here are some highlights.
The law protects against kratom dangers
In a guest column, State Representative Daniel Pae writes: As a Representative of the State of Oklahoma, I am proud to have authored House Bill 3574, a vital piece of legislation that addresses gaps in kratom regulation in our state. With the passage of this bill, Oklahoma is taking an important step forward in protecting the health and well-being of our citizens while promoting responsible industry practices.
A storm of emotions
Earlier this month, the city of Sulfur was hit by a devastating tornado. Waylon Wyche, born and raised in Sulfur and living in his childhood home, shares his experiences during the April 27 twister and how the experience changed his views on meteorologists and the Oklahoma Standard.
Benefits of a private school sports team?
A veteran Mount St. Mary Catholic High School coach writes that he hopes the Oklahoma Secondary School Activity Association (OSSAA) will give Oklahoma parochial schools more credit for having good programs and the logic and evidence of the so-called “benefits.” will investigate more carefully. private or parochial schools have interscholastic competition.
Oklahoma’s failed education strategy
Oklahoma’s education tax credit program isn’t helping low-income families, writes guest columnist Rev. Adam Young. Instead of providing hundreds of millions of dollars to 4% of Oklahoma students, we should be more concerned about the remaining 96% in public education.
The consequences of the DEI order
The NEW Leadership program at the University of Oklahoma was a moment of clarity for me as a young woman, writes guest columnist Emily Stacey. Our state ranks 45th in female lawmakers, but Governor Kevin Stitt’s executive order ends the crucial leadership program for women.
‘Blacklisting’ companies has unintended consequences
University of Central Okahoma economics professor Travis Roach says the Legislature may have had good intentions when it passed a law banning government agencies from doing business with financial institutions that “boycott” fossil fuels on environmental grounds. However, the blacklist has “burdened taxpayers with new costs” and “hindered economic growth.”
Can parents trust the system with their child’s personal information?
In her column this month, the Rev. Lori Allen Walke prayed that elected officials “shift their focus from regulating one’s genitals to investing in our children’s educational experience.” She said parents receive consent forms for their children to participate in sports and, because of lawmakers’ obsession with gender issues, it is difficult for them to trust that the information they provide will be used for its intended purpose.
The frustrations of the railways need a modern solution
Columnist Russ Florence shares his frustration with stopped trains that regularly block major thoroughfares into the Automobile Alley area near downtown Oklahoma City. He proposes that the rail industry modernize its operations to warn motorists when intersections are blocked.
Resistance to ‘bad faith arguments’
Do you know what a “bad faith argument” is? Columnist Nancy Snow said it is intended to promote or defend a position that masks a deeper agenda, and that this “must be called out and resisted.”
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Katrom risks, private school sports and thoughts from Oklahoma readers
