Student-led Bartlesville High School walk out draws 'harsh words' from Okla. Senator

BARTLESVILLE, Okla. (KTUL) — A group of Bartlesville High School students is standing up for their teachers by walking out of class to protest teacher pay, but one Oklahoma lawmaker had what some are calling "harsh words" about the student-led demonstration.

"Our education has been failing miserably," said Bartlesville High School senior, Chloe Maye. "Teachers don't have enough money to live their lives. They often have to buy supplies for their own classes. Overall, we just don't have any more money to cut out of our budget."

Maye and her friends plan to do something about it. At 8:30 Friday morning, they'll leave class and head to the football field for 22 minutes.

"Twenty-two minutes to represent the $22 million proposed budget cut to education," said Maye. She took her plan to Facebook and invited a few lawmakers, one of them State Senator Julie Daniels, but Daniels' response has caused controversy.

"I think it was kind of demeaning toward Chloe in a way because we are just students, and we're doing this for our teachers," said Brigette McKinnon. "So, kind of disrespectful to our cause."

Part of Daniels' comment read, "Thank you for the invitation. I will not participate. I suggest you walk into your school and continue your education." She continued to state that she is working diligently at the capitol to find a solution and ended by writing, "I caution you to think carefully about your actions, as not to alienate your supporters and further alienate those who contact me ..."

"It seems to me like it was threatening and condescending," said Bartlesville U.S. History Teacher, Lyndsey Stuart. "These students are the future and her constituents. I think they should get more respect than that."

Senator Daniels declined an interview but said she didn't initially understand the protest. After clearing up a few details, she still doesn't support it. Senator Daniels does, however, plan to visit the school in a few weeks to speak with students about progress at the capitol.

While others were upset, Maye didn't take it personally.

"The point of this walk out is for the future of education and the future of Oklahoma as a whole," said Maye.

Maye's just hoping the 22 minutes will have a lasting impact on education in Okla.