The COVID-19 pandemic created a very challenging, frightening time for our country. Even as thousands of people were dying from the virus, Oklahoma students faced opposition from state leaders who dismissed the urgency of the situation.
As a prime example, the legislature passed and the governor signed SB 658 into law in 2021. The bill prevented the State Department of Education from requiring vaccinations for COVID-19 or implementing a mask mandate for students.
The bill went even further, removing local control over a very serious health issue by restricting how and when school districts could implement mask mandates.
The Oklahoma State Medical Association stepped up for public education and filed a lawsuit against the implementation of SB 658. With the OEA and other groups supporting the lawsuit, a judge granted a temporary restraining order on parts of the law, returning local control back to school districts.
For her leadership of the OSMA and for standing up for public schools and the students they serve, Dr. Mary Clarke was awarded OEA’s 2022 Friend of Education Award in early May. It is the association’s highest honor.
In addition to fighting SB 658 and the elimination of local control in the middle of our country’s worst health crisis in 100 years, OEA joined forces with the OSMA to be a part of the Healthier Oklahoma Coalition. The alliance created a partnership of health care and education organizations throughout the state, working together to improve the health of all Oklahomans through advocacy and education.
Clarke’s words spoke volumes when she said, “Educators are some of the heroes we forget about every day. We cannot do anything without educators. Education is the absolute pinnacle of every successful society.”
Throughout 2020 and 2021, Dr. Clarke led efforts to provide timely information to help keep Oklahoman’s safe. Just as important, she worked to keep schools as safe as possible.
“The courage and commitment of Dr. Clarke and the OSMA to stand up for the health and safety of our students during the pandemic was inspirational,” said OEA Pres. Katherine Bishop. “That support gave our members a source of comfort, knowing that we had such an important group standing up for us during a very difficult time.”
