Oklahoma will require teachers from New York and California to pass a new “America First” certification test, designed to ensure educators align with the state’s conservative values. The test will evaluate knowledge of American history, including controversial claims about the 2020 election, and adherence to Oklahoma’s stance on issues like gender identity. State Superintendent Ryan Walters stated the test’s purpose is to prevent the “indoctrination” of students. Teacher unions have criticized the move, arguing it will deter qualified educators and exacerbate existing teacher shortages.
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An investigation has been launched by the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office following reports of images of naked women appearing on a television during an executive session of the state Board of Education meeting in Superintendent Ryan Walters’ office. The incident, allegedly witnessed by board members, has prompted calls for clarity and transparency from state officials. Walters denies any wrongdoing, characterizing the claims as politically motivated attacks. Calls for a third-party review have been made while the state House Minority Leader has stated that a change in leadership at the Oklahoma State Department of Education has been needed for a long time.
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In Oklahoma, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters is under investigation after reports surfaced of a TV in his office displaying explicit images during a state board meeting. Board members witnessed the images, leading to concerns and calls for transparency. Walters’ spokesperson dismissed the incident as a fabricated claim, but the state Senate has initiated a probe into the matter. This development follows Walters’ prior efforts to ban books with sexual content from school libraries and his mandate requiring the Bible in classrooms, actions which have faced legal challenges.
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During a recent Oklahoma State Board of Education meeting, Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters allegedly had images of nude women displayed on his office television, according to board members Becky Carson and Ryan Deatherage. Carson stated she confronted Walters about the images during the executive session, prompting him to turn off the television. The superintendent’s communications director dismissed the report as a “joke,” while Walters has previously expressed opposition to “sexual material”. State legislators are responding to the allegations, with some calling for an investigation and others advocating for all involved parties to share their perspectives.
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An investigation has been launched in Oklahoma following reports that a television screen in the office of State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters displayed a video of nude women during a State Board of Education executive session. Board members described the video as “retro” and were shocked by the content. The incident has led to calls for a thorough and transparent review, especially considering Walters’ previous actions, including his crusade against “pornography” in schools. Walters, known for his conservative stances, has dismissed the claims as a distraction.
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In Jones, Oklahoma, a 45-year-old man, Brad McMichael, died after being attacked by two water buffaloes he had recently purchased. Emergency responders were initially delayed due to the animals’ aggressive behavior. One buffalo was killed to allow access to McMichael, who suffered fatal injuries. The second buffalo continued to pose a threat as first responders worked, according to officials.
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The Supreme Court issued a brief, unexpected ruling affirming a lower court decision regarding Oklahoma’s use of public funds for a religious charter school. An equally divided court—with Justice Barrett recused—prevented a definitive outcome. Justice Barrett’s recusal, unexplained but potentially due to her close friendship with a key advisor to the school, resulted in a tie. This leaves the lower court’s decision in place, with the matter unresolved for the time being.
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Oklahoma’s new 2025-2026 high school social studies standards mandate the study of alleged “discrepancies” in the 2020 presidential election results. These discrepancies, presented as factual, include claims repeatedly debunked by Snopes, such as issues with mail-in ballots and sudden vote counts. The standards’ adoption, despite lacking awareness from some board members, followed a legislative inaction deadline. This curriculum also includes the teaching of unsubstantiated claims regarding COVID-19’s origins and the Biden administration’s performance.
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The police chief and three officers in Geary, Oklahoma resigned, leaving the town’s entire police department empty. Additionally, two city council members stepped down, leaving just one member in the council due to an earlier vacancy. The city has assured citizens that normal services will be maintained, with assistance from sheriffs’ offices in nearby counties and an interim police chief, reportedly veteran law enforcement officer JJ Stitt. The reasons for the resignations were not clearly stated, with former police chief Alicia Ford describing the decision as a difficult but correct one. Council member Glen “Rocky” Coleman Jr. noted a mismatch in values and lack of administrative communication as his reasons for resigning.
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As an Oklahoman parent and a concerned citizen, the recent news of top education officials attempting to mandate the Bible in public school classrooms is not only outrageous but a blatant violation of the separation of church and state. The attempt to bypass the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment under the guise of academic necessity is laughable. Ryan Walters, in Oklahoma, is pushing for the integration of the Christian Bible into core subjects like math and science, claiming it’s for historical context. But let’s be real, this is a clear attempt to indoctrinate children into one specific religion under the guise of education.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker