A new affliction is plaguing approximately 10 percent of Oklahomans, and it has gone from symptomatic to a full-blown outbreak in the midst of the most recent scandal involving Oklahoma’s superintendent of public instruction. The virus is known as Ryan Walters Denial Syndrome. RWDS is seemingly rampant amongst an increasingly smaller portion of our population, but its presence is still felt broadly amongst all of us, some days more than others.
Symptoms are fairly easily identified:
- distortion of reality: This is a prominent symptom that includes an inability to distinguish fact from fiction, interpreting results incorrectly and being delusional.
- inability to admit mistakes: This typically manifests with blaming others for the actions of Walters. This symptom seems to become most severe when it should not exist at all. In severe cases, it can also morph into conspiracy theories.
- selective memory: This is possibly the most frustrating symptom, as it requires extreme patience and grace when encountered. The recommended treatment is to change the discussion topic.
- total lack of accountability: The strangest manifestation involves wanting to blame the wrong people for gross incompetence, while doing nothing about the person exhibiting a total inability to lead others, act ethically and do their job. This also appears to create total disregard for outcomes or data that do not support the belief system this malady instills.
It is estimated this virus is affecting fewer people over time, as it appeared to be mildly affecting over 50 percent of the population in November 2022, when Walters was elected. However, the approximately 10 percent still being afflicted have much more severe symptoms and often refuse treatment. It is difficult to determine precisely how many cases exist, as those with RWDS talk about their conditions a lot more than would be normal, thereby making it appear that more people have the virus. RWDS is definitely reaching epidemic proportions at our State Capitol, rampant amongst GOP lawmakers. Governor Kevin Stitt was positively diagnosed several years ago, becoming quite ill from 2022 until 2024, but has apparently recovered from this syndrome in the last year.
Treatment recommendations for RWDS are to stop hanging around with others who have the condition. This is known as an “echo chamber” and makes recovery difficult. Avoid large gatherings, such as Edmond Republican Women’s Club, Oklahoma GOP events and certain churches. Best results for overcoming RWDS have occurred by opening one’s mind, reviewing data and listening to reasonable people. Many have experienced faster recovery by simply admitting they have the condition and need help. Reading Ryan Walters’ statements can cause a relapse, as they can boldly make one believe things that aren’t true and slip back into a state of unconscious ignorance. It is recommended to simply call a teacher or school administrator if you read or hear Walters’ rhetoric and are drawn toward believing his utter BS.
Many think RWDS is about to break like a fever and it feels worst just before subsiding. If it doesn’t go away soon, our entire state could be left with longer-term side effects. The most pending impact is RWDS leaving our schools ranked 50th nationally, a ranking that would surely cost a football coach their job in Oklahoma. Future effects could be difficulty with creating a quality workforce, making Oklahoma a much less desirable place to live or locate a business and numerous outcomes that affect our kids.
A quick remedy for RWDS would entail lawmakers doing their jobs. It should be noted there is a low likelihood that it could actually begin spread again, but this will depend on whether Walters intends to make a mockery of our gubernatorial election in 2026. If he does, this will be around for at least another 18 months. In the event Walters becomes governor or stays in power at the state’s Department of Education (OSDE), it is recommended to patiently await investigations into Walters’ personal finances. If this does not occur, private school is recommended for all children, and Texas looks like a great idea.
One can be sure that recent controversy around the display of inappropriate content during an Oklahoma State Board of Education executive session, an edict with no funding to provide free meals for all in our schools, the attempt to anoint a failing out-of-state charter school in an effort to indoctrinate our youth and the continuous lies that flow from OSDE will soon cause RWDS to go away or get much worse. This is a pivotal moment, a time for leadership and will determine our governor’s legacy for Oklahoma.
Hopefully, our state and lawmakers will take action now.
Drew Williamson is managing partner of Red Center Media, LLC, holding company of Oklahoma Gazette.
Opinions expressed on the commentary page, in letters to the editor and elsewhere in this newspaper are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of ownership or management.
This article appears in Best of OKC 2025.