Oklahoma's education system is at the center of contention as its superintendent, Ryan Walters, navigates the intersection of religion and public education amid growing tensions over the controversial promotion of what he describes as ‘religious freedom and patriotism.’ This latest drama unfolded when Walters announced the creation of the Department of Religious Freedom and Patriotism, followed by directives sent via email to public school superintendents across the state requiring them to show students his introductory video.
On November 13, 2024, Walters unveiled this new department intended to address perceived abuses of religious freedoms and promote displays of patriotism within Oklahoma's schools. Soon after, he sent out communications mandatorily instructing school districts to screen his video to every student enrolled. Walters stated, "This is one of the first steps of the newly created department, requiring all Oklahoma schools to play the attached video to all kids." He went on to urge districts to also share this video with parents, emphasizing his commitment to uphold what he sees as fundamental values.
The video delivered by Walters claims to address threats to religious liberty and seemed to rally against what he termed the ‘woke ideology’ infiltrated by teachers unions. He claimed these unions have attacked religious values and denigrated patriotism, stating, "I pray for the leaders of the United States," explicitly mentioning his support for President Donald Trump and urging students who view the video not to feel pressured to participate.
This unprecedented requirement to air the video has drawn immediate backlash from some of Oklahoma's largest school districts. Both the Edmond School District and Bixby School District, two significant suburban districts, voiced their resistance to the mandate, stating they have no intentions of showing the video. A spokesperson for the Tulsa district, the biggest school district, refrained from commenting immediately, but the Oklahoma City district indicated they would convene to deliberate on the directive.
Adding to the conflict, Oklahoma's Attorney General Gentner Drummond made it clear through his office's statement issued the following day, asserting Walters lacks the legal authority to enforce such mandates. Drummond's office remarked, "Not only is this edict unenforceable, it is contrary to parents' rights, local control, and individual free-exercise rights." This statement not only challenges the legal parameters surrounding such mandates but also emphasizes the rights of parents and the concept of local governance within education.
Walters, who was elected as the state superintendent with strong backing for conservative, right-leaning educational policies, is no stranger to controversy. He has made waves previously with mandates incorporating the Bible within school lesson plans targeting grades five through twelve, leading to two lawsuits against him. School districts had previously indicated plans to disregard these mandates, demonstrating growing defiance against the superintendent's directives.
The lawsuits have created heightened scrutiny, particularly around Walters' bid to procure the ‘God Bless the USA’ Bibles for use in advanced placement government classes. It has come to light through investigations by the Associated Press and others, noting these Bibles were sourced from China, the very country Trump has criticized for unfair practices against American interests. How does this align with the principles Walters espouses of promoting patriotism and religious values?
The $25,000 order for the Bibles appears to have been initially courting specific products linked to Trump, leading to accusations of politicizing classroom materials. This intertwining of education with personal politics raises questions about the shifting boundaries faced by educators, students, and parents alike.
Walters, during his campaign for office, explicitly targeted what he referred to as ‘radical leftists’ and ‘woke ideology’ infiltrated within educational spaces, galvanizing support from constituents wary of perceived liberal encroachments on traditional American values. Some parents and educators worry this new direction may lead Oklahoma schools down paths where secular and religious teachings bleed together and compromise students’ educational integrity.
Despite the educational chief’s push for mandatory viewing of his video, considerable resistance from various district leaders and the Attorney General’s firm pushback may slow the advance of Walters’ initiatives. Stakeholders from different walks of life are eager to see how the situation unfurls and whether they will need to rally against increasing directives infringing upon long-held educational principles and the separation of church and state.
Oklahoma stands at the crossroads of tradition versus modernity, as the education community grapples with how to navigate these choppy waters. The delicate balance of promoting individual rights, respect for religious expression, and clear educational purposes will likely come under increasing scrutiny as local and state authorities wrestle with these complex dynamics.
