TL;DR
- Oklahoma teacher sues Ryan Walters for defamation.
- Claims he was targeted for his LGBTQ+ advocacy.
- Walters worked with Libs of TikTok to harass him.
- The lawsuit highlights a broader anti-LGBTQ agenda.
- Killackey’s teaching license was threatened over a family photo.
In a jaw-dropping twist of events, an Oklahoma teacher is taking a stand against the former state Superintendent Ryan Walters, claiming he was subjected to a relentless campaign of harassment and defamation. This isn’t just any lawsuit; it’s a battle against the dark forces of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric that have infiltrated our education system.
Regan Killackey, the brave educator at the center of this storm, alleges that Walters conspired with the notorious Libs of TikTok account, run by Chaya Raichik, to terrorize him for nearly 1,000 days. Yes, you read that right—1,000 days of harassment, all stemming from a family photo that Walters decided to weaponize after a failed assassination attempt on Donald Trump in 2024.
In the photo, Killackey’s young son is seen playfully attacking his daughter with a plastic sword while she wears a Trump mask. But rather than seeing it as innocent childhood fun, Walters took it upon himself to threaten Killackey’s teaching license, claiming it was a threat against the president. This absurdity is a clear reflection of the lengths to which some will go to silence educators who dare to express themselves or advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
“This resulted in harm to, among other things, (Killackey’s) reputation and employment,” the lawsuit states, highlighting how Walters’ actions have not only impacted Killackey’s career but have also contributed to a chilling atmosphere for teachers across the state.
Attorney Cameron Spradling, representing Killackey, has pointed out that the Oklahoma Education Department, under Walters’ leadership, misused the AWAREITY pre-incident prevention system—technology designed to prevent crime—to instead target professional educators. This misuse of power is not just a legal issue; it’s a moral one that speaks volumes about the current climate for LGBTQ+ individuals in education.
The lawsuit also brings to light the troubling relationship between Walters and Libs of TikTok, an account that has faced accusations of engaging in stochastic terrorism—public rhetoric that incites harassment or violence without direct orders. Raichik, the account’s founder, has openly embraced this label, laughing off accusations that her rhetoric leads to real-world harm.
In a shocking admission, the state’s official court response acknowledges many of the actions for which it is accused, yet it denies Killackey any financial relief. This is a classic case of the system failing those it is meant to protect, particularly educators who are simply trying to do their jobs.
Walters, who has a long history of anti-LGBTQ+ actions, resigned abruptly in 2025, leaving behind a legacy of fear and intimidation in Oklahoma’s schools. His departure came after he was caught in a scandal involving inappropriate online behavior during a government meeting. Talk about irony!
As this lawsuit unfolds, it’s crucial to remember the implications it holds for educators everywhere. Killackey’s fight is not just about his personal grievances; it’s about standing up for the rights of all teachers who dare to advocate for their students, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community. The outcome of this case could set a precedent that either empowers or further silences educators across the nation.
In a time when educators are under siege from all sides, it’s more important than ever to rally behind those who are brave enough to fight back. Let’s keep our eyes on this case and support those who stand for what’s right in the face of adversity.