Former Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters is no longer in office, but his impact on the state’s schools is still being felt. His successor, Lindel Fields, has begun reversing Walters’ controversial policies, including the mandatory presence of Trump Bibles in classrooms and the requirement for teachers to take a PragerU-developed “woke test.” Fields clarified that Bibles are still accessible to students through various means, and the America First test is not a teacher certification requirement. Furthermore, the new superintendent is reviewing some state testing and social studies curriculum standards implemented during Walters’ tenure.
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Oklahoma’s new education head, Lindel Fields, has removed the unconstitutional requirement for schools to teach Bible-based social studies lessons, a policy implemented by his predecessor, Ryan Walters. This decision follows a state Supreme Court ruling that deemed the initial requirement unlawful due to its violation of state policy-making rules and the First Amendment. Prior to leaving office, Walters sought to purchase Bibles for schools and initiated controversial curriculum changes promoting inaccurate historical narratives and the inclusion of right-wing propaganda. Furthermore, the state is considering rescinding other policies implemented by Walters, including the partnership with PragerU and the mandated inclusion of politically charged statements in social studies texts, as well as investigating the Department of Education’s finances during his tenure.
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John Q. Hosedrinker