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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Oklahoma’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, Ryan Walters, is resigning to lead the Teacher Freedom Alliance, a conservative educators’ group. Walters, known for his embrace of culture-war politics and his efforts to incorporate religion into classrooms, has been a controversial figure. He has faced lawsuits over his policies, including mandating the use of the Bible in lesson plans and promoting election conspiracies. Walters also announced plans to establish Turning Point USA chapters in high schools before his resignation.
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Oklahoma’s state superintendent announced plans to establish Turning Point USA chapters in every high school, citing a need to counter “radical leftist teachers unions.” Following a surge in requests after the death of Charlie Kirk, the state will assist students in starting “Club America” chapters, providing resources and support. The superintendent also warned schools against refusing to host the clubs, threatening accreditation. Critics have pointed to the superintendent’s history of promoting right-wing politics and religious agendas in schools.
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Oklahoma’s new high school U.S. history standards mandate instruction on supposed “discrepancies” in the 2020 election, including claims about ballot counting halts and mail-in voting security risks. These standards, championed by State Superintendent Ryan Walters, were hastily approved despite objections from some Republicans and educators who criticized the process and content. Critics argue the standards promote false narratives about election fraud rather than fostering critical thinking, potentially eroding public trust. Although some within the Republican party have defended the standards’ content, a lawsuit challenges their rushed approval process, potentially delaying implementation.
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As an educator, the recent mandate by Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters to have a Bible in every classroom and to incorporate it into lesson plans for grades 5-12 is both concerning and baffling. The controversial decision has been met with resistance from lawyers for teachers and school districts for valid reasons. Not only is this mandate not tied to any specific learning objectives such as Common Core standards, but it also raises constitutional concerns regarding the separation of church and state.
The vague consequences threatened by Walters for non-compliance with this mandate only add fuel to the fire. It is clear that this move is more about political posturing than actual educational improvement.… Continue reading
As an individual deeply concerned about our education system and the potential impact of religious mandates, the recent news of Oklahoma schools being ordered to teach the Bible in grades 5 through 12 is deeply troubling. It raises significant questions about the separation of church and state, and the potential consequences of blurring those lines within our public education system.
State Superintendent Ryan Walter’s authoritarian approach to this mandate, insisting that educators comply by any means necessary, is concerning. The use of fear tactics and threats to enforce religious teaching in schools is a clear violation of the principles on which our country was founded.… Continue reading
This recent announcement by the Oklahoma state superintendent mandating the incorporation of the Bible and the Ten Commandments into school curriculums has stirred up a whirlwind of controversy and disbelief, and rightfully so. As someone who values the separation of church and state, this directive seems to be a blatant violation of that principle. The idea of requiring every classroom in the state to have a Bible and insisting that all teachers teach from it crosses a dangerous line regarding indoctrination.
The argument presented by Superintendent Walters that the Bible is a foundational document crucial for understanding the history and values of the United States is flawed and narrow-minded.… Continue reading
In the chaotic world of social media, it seems that anything is possible. And yet, every now and then, a piece of news comes along that leaves you utterly speechless. Today, I came across an article that left me questioning the state of our education system and the values that we hold dear. The headline read, “Libs of TikTok creator accused of inspiring school bomb threats named to state library board.” Yes, you heard that right. A person who has been accused of instigating bomb threats against a school library is now serving on a state library board.
Let’s delve into the details of this unbelievable story.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker