Moore Student Suing OSDE, Closer To Securing Protective Order Against Ryan Walters

(Editor's Note: The original story both online and on-air referred to the student as filing for a ‘victim protection order.' The story has been updated to the correct term ‘protective order.') 

A Cleveland County Judge says he could grant a Moore student’s request for a protective order against State Superintendent Ryan Walters. The case is related to a lawsuit filed December of 2023 after the student tried to change their pronouns.  

The student’s attorney said they filed for a protective order to prevent the Oklahoma State Department of Education from revealing the student’s name as court proceedings play out. December of 2023, a Moore Public Schools student sued the OSDE over gender pronouns. 

The student received a court order in February 2023 granting them a gender marker change. According to court records the court ordered the Moore School District to update the student’s gender marker.  

However, in September of 2023, Walters proposed an emergency rule prohibiting school districts “from altering sex or gender designations [...] without the authorization from the State Board of Education.” The board unanimously adopted the rule.  

Walters has spoken out against transgender rights and dismissed the student’s request to have their pronouns recognized. The student filed their case under a pseudonym to protect their identity. 

His attorney said the case is “highly sensitive” and “creates a real danger of physical and harm ... as a result of the disclosure of his identity.” Walter's attorney argued the identity falls in the “public’s significant interest.” 

The Oklahoman reported on Wednesday, District Judge Michael Tupper would grant the protective order if both sides updated language “concerning disclosure of confidential information”. The language for this protective order needs to be updated by July 12.

The student's attorney Leslie Briggs said, "We are pleased with the court’s ruling and look forward to a resolution on the merits of the case." Walters's office said in a statement, “Superintendent Walters will continue to do everything possible to protect Oklahoma students from radical gender theory.”