Ryan Walters files to dismiss Bixby Superintendent's defamation suit

TULSA COUNTY, Okla. (KFOR) — Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters has filed a motion to dismiss a defamation lawsuit filed against him in August by Bixby Public Schools Superintendent Rob Miller.

The lawsuit claims that Walters "made false, defamatory, and malicious utterances" about Miller during a State Board of Education press conference on July 31.

The allegations stem from a social media post concerning missing Title I allocations, where Miller blames Walters' leadership.

When asked about the post, Walters called Miller a liar and a true embarrassment, also alleging the district has financial problems.

In the motion to dismiss, Walters calls the lawsuit frivolous, saying he was only fulfilling his official duties and therefore granted immunity. The motion also cites protections under the First Amendment.