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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As Oklahoma’s Superintendent of Education, I’ve established a new Department of Religious Freedom and Patriotism, mandating that all public schools show students a video announcement. This video promotes religious liberty and patriotism, includes a prayer mentioning President Trump, and states that participation is optional. However, the Attorney General has declared this mandate unenforceable, citing conflicts with parental rights and local control. This action follows my previous, legally challenged mandate to incorporate Bibles into school curricula, further highlighting my ongoing efforts to combat what I perceive as “woke ideology” in schools.
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A federal judge in Louisiana has blocked a new state law requiring public schools to display the Ten Commandments, ruling it unconstitutional. The judge determined the law’s primary purpose was religious, citing its lack of historical significance compared to other foundational documents. He also argued that the law amounts to government coercion of students, as parents are required to send their children to school. The judge’s ruling granted a preliminary injunction, suggesting the law is likely to be permanently struck down. This decision comes as part of a broader trend of conservative efforts to incorporate religion into public schools, reflecting a national debate about the separation of church and state.
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Cycling Frog is gaining popularity with its hemp-derived cannabidiol products such as gummies, softgels, and THC seltzers, which are vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO. The company is adding two new flavors to its seltzer range: raspberry lemonade with 50mg of THC and CBD, aimed at experienced users; and cran razz with 10mg of THC and CBD, suitable for those seeking a more balanced effect. Cycling Frog’s award-winning black currant flavor, with 5mg of THC and 10mg of CBD, is an ideal pick for beginners or those desiring a milder high.
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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
As a concerned citizen, I am deeply troubled by the recent news that Oklahoma schools are purchasing bibles that are linked to Trump. This raises serious questions about the integrity of our public education system and the separation of church and state. Why are public funds being funneled towards a specific vendor, especially one with ties to a political figure? It is disappointing to see money meant for educating children being diverted in such a manner.
The fact that these Trump bibles are the only ones that meet the new criteria for purchase is concerning, to say the least. It appears as though the criteria were intentionally crafted to benefit a specific vendor, creating a monopoly on the sale of bibles to schools in Oklahoma.… Continue reading
I am deeply disturbed by the recent comments made by GA Rep. Mike Collins regarding the tragic issue of gun control in our schools. In the wake of yet another devastating school shooting, instead of addressing the urgent need for gun control measures, he has chosen to deflect the conversation towards the need for “more Jesus in schools”. As a concerned citizen, I find this response not only irresponsible but also dangerous.
The idea that introducing more religious elements into our schools will somehow prevent gun violence is not only nonsensical but also completely irrelevant to the issue at hand. The separation of church and state is a fundamental principle of our democracy, and it is deeply concerning that a public official would advocate for blurring those lines in such a pivotal debate.… Continue reading
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
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood