News and Events => Education news => Topic started by: Jessica_Rose on October 30, 2025, 08:43:51 PM Return to Full Version
Title: News Crisis calls among Oklahoma LGBTQ+ youth drop after Ryan Walters quit...
Post by: Jessica_Rose on October 30, 2025, 08:43:51 PM
Post by: Jessica_Rose on October 30, 2025, 08:43:51 PM
Crisis calls among Oklahoma LGBTQ+ youth drop after Ryan Walters quit his job as the state's schools chief
https://www.advocate.com/news/ryan-walters-exit-crisis-calls
Christopher Wiggins (30 Oct 2025)
A new report from the Indianapolis-based Rainbow Youth Project suggests the resignation of Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters may be offering relief to queer and trans youth across the state.
The organization, which operates a national crisis hotline for LGBTQ+ young people, says calls from Oklahoma have dropped sharply since Walters announced his departure on September 24 and officially left office the following week. Between March 2024 and September 2025, Rainbow Youth Project received an average of 1,431 monthly calls from Oklahoma, according to a press release. In the 30 days following Walters's announcement, that number fell to 914, a 36 percent decline.
"Following Ryan Walters's resignation, we have noticed a substantial decrease in crisis calls from Oklahoma," Lance Preston, the organization's executive director, said. "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."
Before his exit, nearly two-thirds of Oklahoma callers, 64 percent, identified Walters as a source of distress, according to Rainbow Youth Project. Since 2024, the nonprofit has operated an Oklahoma City outreach office, serving more than 500 local youth.
https://www.advocate.com/news/ryan-walters-exit-crisis-calls
Christopher Wiggins (30 Oct 2025)
A new report from the Indianapolis-based Rainbow Youth Project suggests the resignation of Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters may be offering relief to queer and trans youth across the state.
The organization, which operates a national crisis hotline for LGBTQ+ young people, says calls from Oklahoma have dropped sharply since Walters announced his departure on September 24 and officially left office the following week. Between March 2024 and September 2025, Rainbow Youth Project received an average of 1,431 monthly calls from Oklahoma, according to a press release. In the 30 days following Walters's announcement, that number fell to 914, a 36 percent decline.
"Following Ryan Walters's resignation, we have noticed a substantial decrease in crisis calls from Oklahoma," Lance Preston, the organization's executive director, said. "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."
Before his exit, nearly two-thirds of Oklahoma callers, 64 percent, identified Walters as a source of distress, according to Rainbow Youth Project. Since 2024, the nonprofit has operated an Oklahoma City outreach office, serving more than 500 local youth.