By Shelby Banks, FOX23 News
The Oklahoma Supreme Court has denied former State Superintendent Ryan Walters’ motion to dismiss a defamation lawsuit filed by former Bixby Superintendent Rob Miller.
Miller filed the lawsuit in 2024, after Walters responded to Miller’s question about a possible delay in Title I funding estimates.
“Yeah, Rob’s a Liar. I mean, he’s really a true embarrassment. He knows every year when he gets Title I funds in, we’re dealing with financial problems at his district, and we’re addressing that,” Walters said. “So, Rob’s a clown and a liar, and he knows that.”
The comments were spoken during a press conference.
Walters asked for the lawsuit to be dismissed a few months later, saying that his comments were protected under Oklahoma’s anti-SLAPP law. An anti-SLAPP law (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) is a law designed to dismiss meritless lawsuits. Walters also claimed that he believed the statement was true and that Miller did not show enough evidence that the statements were false or malicious.
- Walters named “Rob” in his statement, so his words were directed at Miller.
- The statement about having “financial problems at his district” could be construed as a factual accusation of Miller’s integrity and competence.
- Miller presented information that supports his claims that Walters knew the accusations were false.
What Happens Next?
The case will now enter the discovery phase. Both Walters and Miller will share records, testimony, and other evidence in the lawsuit.
