Oklahoma AG Blocks School Superintendent’s Mandatory Prayer Video
Oklahoma’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, Ryan Walters, mandated that all public schools show students a video promoting religious freedom and patriotism, including a prayer for President Trump. This directive, issued through a newly created Department of Religious Freedom and Patriotism, was deemed unenforceable by the state Attorney General’s office, citing conflicts with parental rights and local control. Several school districts have refused to comply. This mandate follows previous controversial actions by Walters, including a mandate to incorporate Bibles into lesson plans, which is also facing legal challenges. The Attorney General’s statement highlights the conflict between Walters’ actions and established legal rights.
John Q. Hosedrinker