Oklahoma superintendent Ryan Walters faces criticism over non secular freedom video mandate in colleges

Ryan Walters (Image credit score: X)

A high training official within the US state of Oklahoma is going through criticism after ordering public colleges to indicate college students a video selling a brand new division of spiritual freedom and patriotism.
State superintendent Ryan Walters, a Republican, introduced the division on Wednesday, claiming it is going to deal with assaults on non secular liberty and patriotism by “woke lecturers’ unions.” The brand new workplace will function beneath the state’s division of training.
On Thursday, Walters emailed faculty superintendents demanding they present his video announcement to all college students and ship it to folks.
“In one of many first steps of the newly created division, we’re requiring all of Oklahoma colleges to play the hooked up video to all youngsters which might be enrolled,” the e-mail learn.
Within the video, Walters claims that non secular liberty has been attacked and patriotism mocked “by woke lecturers unions,” earlier than praying for US leaders.
“Particularly, I pray for President Donald Trump and his staff as they proceed to result in change to the nation,” Walters mentioned within the video.
He additional mentioned that college students aren’t required to take part within the prayer.
In keeping with Walters, the brand new division will “oversee the investigation of abuses to particular person non secular freedom or shows of patriotism.”

Two of Oklahoma’s largest faculty districts, Edmond and Bixby, have mentioned they won’t present the video. Oklahoma Metropolis Public Colleges is reviewing the matter.
Oklahoma lawyer normal Gentner Drummond’s workplace declared Walters’ mandate illegal.
“Not solely is that this edict unenforceable, it’s opposite to folks’ rights, native management, and particular person free-exercise rights,” the assertion learn.
This isn’t the primary time Walters’ actions have drawn authorized challenges. He’s at present going through two lawsuits over a June mandate requiring colleges to include the Bible into lesson plans for grades 5 via 12, a directive a number of districts have refused to observe.