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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Oklahoma’s new social studies curriculum, spearheaded by State Superintendent Ryan Walters, includes a controversial section instructing high schoolers to identify “discrepancies” in the 2020 election results, focusing on aspects like ballot counting halts and mail-in voting security. This revision, part of a broader effort to promote a Trump-aligned ideology in schools, has prompted a lawsuit from parents and educators alleging biased and improperly reviewed content. The changes, which also include elements promoting American exceptionalism and incorporating biblical references, faced opposition from some Republicans but were ultimately enacted despite costing taxpayers $33 million. This curriculum overhaul is part of a larger push by Walters against what he terms “woke” ideologies.
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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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Oklahoma’s new social studies standards, championed by Superintendent Ryan Walters, include a section instructing students to identify “discrepancies” in the 2020 election results, echoing unsubstantiated claims of widespread fraud. This decision followed the state Senate’s refusal to reject the language, despite concerns from three new board members regarding Walters’ lack of transparency in the process and late changes made without their knowledge or public input. Walters, however, defended the standards as “unapologetically conservative” and “pro-America,” while critics condemned them as partisan and age-inappropriate. The controversy highlights a broader clash over the role of political ideology in public education.
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Oklahoma’s new social studies standards, championed by Superintendent Ryan Walters, include a section instructing students to identify “discrepancies” in the 2020 election results, echoing unsubstantiated claims of fraud. This decision followed the state Senate’s refusal to reject the language, despite concerns raised by new board members regarding transparency and late changes made by Walters without their knowledge or public input. Walters defends the standards as “unapologetically conservative” and factual, while critics, including Democrats and some board members, argue the inclusion is politically motivated, inaccurate, and age-inappropriate. Support from groups like Moms for Liberty further underscores the highly partisan nature of this educational policy change.
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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.
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Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters mandated that public schools show a video promoting his new Office of Religious Liberty and Patriotism, a directive swiftly rejected by at least seven large school districts citing a lack of legal authority and infringement on local control. The Attorney General’s office confirmed the mandate’s unenforceability. This action, along with a controversial purchase of 500 Bibles for AP Government classes using unapproved funds, has drawn significant criticism from lawmakers and the public, raising questions about Walters’ priorities and the use of taxpayer money. The controversy highlights a clash between state-level directives and local autonomy in education.
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John Q. Hosedrinker