Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters faced criticism after comments he made about the Tulsa Race Massacre.

During a speaking engagement, Walters was asked if teaching about the massacre would violate the state’s ban on critical race theory.

“But to say that it was inherent because of their skin is where I say that is critical race theory,” said Walters. You’re saying that a race defines a person and I reject that,” said Walters “So I would say you be judgemental of the issue, of the action, of the content, of the character of the individual absolutely. But let’s not tie it to the skin color of the individual and say skin color determined it.”

The exchange between Walters and the audience member quickly went viral with critics claiming he denied the race aspect of the massacre. But he has since said that his quote was misrepresented.

“The media is twisting two separate answers. They misrepresented my statements about the Tulsa Race Massacre in an attempt to create a fake controversy. Let me be crystal clear that history should be accurately taught: 1. The Tulsa Race Massacre is a terrible mark on our history. The events on that day were racist, evil, and it is inexcusable. Individuals are responsible for their actions and should be held accountable. 2. Kids should never be made to feel bad or told they are inferior based on the color of their skin,” Walters’ statement said in a statement to KOCO.

The Tulsa Race Massacre was an incident in 1921 in which a white mob attacked and destroyed the prosperous African American community of Greenwood in Tulsa, Oklahoma, resulting in the loss of lives, homes, and businesses.