Erika is the founder and leader of the Oklahoma Rural Schools Coalition and former member of the Noble Public Schools Board of Education. She is the parent of two children currently in public schools as well as an adult daughter who attended a private Catholic school.
She is also a plaintiff in the Oklahoma Religious Public Charter School case and the Oklahoma Bible Mandate in Public Schools case.
“Oklahoma’s public schools are among the lowest funded in the nation. Our state cannot afford to divert taxpayer dollars to unconstitutional religious schools. Due to high populations of poverty, rural public schools are more dependent on our state dollars than their suburban counterparts. Our rural schools are particularly vulnerable to the negative impacts of state funding loss. Public schools are the heartbeat of rural culture and public education dollars must be protected for inclusive, accountable public schools that welcome and serve ALL students.”
Erika Wright, regarding the Oklahoma Religious Public Charter School case
“As parents, my husband and I have sole responsibility to decide how and when our children learn about the Bible and religious teachings. We are devout Christians, but different Christian denominations have different theological beliefs and practices. It is not the role of any politician or public school official to intervene in these personal matters. Oklahoma’s education system is already struggling, ranking nearly last in national standings. Mandating a Bible curriculum will not address our educational shortcomings. Superintendent Walters should focus on providing our children and teachers with the resources they need; our families can handle religious education at home.”
Erika Wright, regarding the Oklahoma Religious Public Charter School case
