Senate Democratic Leader Kirt and Caucus Chair Brooks issue statements supporting First Amendment rights of Oklahoma students

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt and Caucus Chair Michael Brooks issued the following statements defending the First Amendment rights of Oklahoma students on Thursday.

“I trust our educators that are managing the disruption and fear caused by ICE enforcement actions. Once again, we see selective outrage from Republicans as they cherry-pick issues happening in our public schools. I’m outraged that students miss school because of domestic violence, untreated mental illness, or needing to work to help their family keep up with the cost of living. As elected officials – and leaders of this state – we should not blame students and start investigations into our teachers. We should applaud young people for exercising their rights as Americans and start real problem solving.” – Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City.

“I am concerned about a version of Oklahoma that is trying to silence our young people. They have participated in protests going back to the revolutionary war and were an integral part in important progress during the Civil Rights Movement, including the groundbreaking Katz Drug Store sit-ins in Oklahoma City. Their courage and voices helped secure the rights of millions of fellow Americans.” – Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Michael Brooks, D-Oklahoma City.

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For more information, contact: 
Sen. Julia Kirt at 405-521-5636 or Julia.Kirt@oksenate.gov 
Sen. Michael Brooks at 405-521-5557 or Michael.Brooks@oksenate.gov