The Rainbow Youth Project, an organization dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ youth through a national crisis hotline, has reported a significant decrease in calls from Oklahoma following the resignation of Ryan Walters from his position as the state's superintendent of public instruction. Walters, known for his anti-LGBTQ+ stance, stepped down on September 25, leading to a noticeable change in the volume of calls.
From March 2024 to September 2025, the hotline received an average of 1,431 monthly calls from Oklahoma, as reported by Advocate. However, since Walters' resignation, the number of calls has dropped to 914, marking a 36% reduction. The organization revealed that 64% of callers identified Walters as a source of distress during his tenure.
Impact of Resignation
According to Lance Preston, the executive director of the Rainbow Youth Project, the reduction in crisis calls signifies a palpable sense of relief among callers. "The relief expressed by callers is palpable, and we are grateful for the positive impact his departure has had on the mental well-being of our community," Preston stated.
Ryan Walters resigned to lead The Teacher Freedom Alliance, a group characterized by its anti-union stance and its self-description as an "alternative to woke teachers’ unions." With Walters' departure, celebrations erupted among teachers, and the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) began reversing some of his controversial policies, such as his unconstitutional mandate for Bible-based social studies lessons.
A Legacy of Controversy
During Walters' tenure, the Rainbow Youth Project observed a dramatic increase in calls, particularly after the tragic passing of Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old transgender student, in 2024. Following this event, the hotline experienced a 238% surge in calls from Oklahoma, with over 80% related to bullying incidents in schools. The situation garnered national attention, prompting the Department of Education under President Joe Biden to investigate allegations of gender-based discrimination in the Owasso School District.
Activists attribute much of the distress to state policies affecting trans youth, which include restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors and bathroom access laws based on sex assigned at birth. These policies, along with Walters' actions, have contributed to a hostile environment for LGBTQ+ youth in the state.
Ongoing Challenges and Changes
Governor Kevin Stitt appointed Lindel Fields, a retired school superintendent, to replace Walters. Under Fields' leadership, the OSDE has taken steps to undo some of Walters' actions, such as reinstating the OSDE's Hall of Fame and revamping its website to remove links spreading Christian Nationalist misinformation.
Additionally, State Attorney General Gentner Drummond has initiated an investigation into the financial practices of the Education Department during Walters' tenure, citing a "well-established history of mishandling tax dollars." Walters had previously withheld $150 million allocated for public school funds and failed to comply with legal obligations to provide asthma inhalers to students.
Controversial Policies and Actions
Walters’ tenure was marked by attempts to ban LGBTQ+ literature, promote Bible teachings in public schools, and propagate false narratives about schools catering to students identifying as animals. His rhetoric included labeling teachers’ unions as “terrorist organizations” and attempts to enforce discriminatory rules against LGBTQ+ students.
Furthermore, Walters' association with groups like Moms for Liberty—labeled as an extremist hate group—and his appointment of controversial figures, such as Chaya Raichik, as advisors, sparked widespread criticism.
The appointment of Fields marks a shift towards addressing these issues, with the state aiming to improve its educational environment and address the teacher shortage exacerbated under Walters’ leadership.
Support for LGBTQ+ Youth
The Rainbow Youth Project has continued to emphasize the importance of mental health services and support systems for young people facing discrimination and bullying. Their efforts include establishing a rapid-response team in Oklahoma to provide immediate assistance to those in need.
Editor’s note: If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. The Trans Lifeline at 1-877-565-8860 offers support for trans individuals, while The Trevor Project provides a safe space for LGBTQ youth at 1-866-488-7386. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is also available at 1-800-273-8255.
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