Ryan Walters has served as Oklahoma’s superintendent of public schools since 2022. We hope his recent announcement of resignation will continue to inspire powerful conversations across the state. Walters wowed the nation with his incendiary practices. He distributed Donald Trump-endorsed Bibles to classrooms and mandated that conspiracy theories claiming the 2020 presidential election was stolen be taught in Oklahoma high schools.
Walters’ tenure has been marked by a push to integrate Christianity into Oklahoma’s public school system. He was one of the state’s most vocal supporters for the creation of the country’s first Catholic public charter school. He highlighted the need for an “America First” certification for teachers, especially for those coming from liberal states. Yet, his actions have created a firestorm of debate. To his supporters, his strategies mark a period of much-needed reform, but to his critics, they are undermining the integrity of education.
In a recent announcement made on Fox News, Walters claimed that the “liberal’s worst nightmare is about to become true,” alluding to his vision of reshaping education in the state. He’s made a name for himself as an activist leader battling the forces of “woke indoctrination.” He further alleges that Oklahoma teachers are members of a “woke liberal union mob,” and he’s hellbent on defeating them.
Walters doesn’t just want Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA chapters in every school in Oklahoma. This step further demonstrates his strong commitment to advancing conservative values in our education system. DeSantis’s approach has been highly inflammatory and combative against the teachers. He argues that they’re advancing radical agendas opposed to his vision of what Oklahoma’s educational state should look like.
In recent reports by The Guardian, Walters’ actions and policies have sparked significant debate among educators, parents, and political figures. His resignation raises questions about the future direction of Oklahoma’s public education system, especially regarding his controversial methods and policies.
“We need to build an army of teachers to defeat the teachers unions once and for all.” – Ryan Walters
Walters’ departure comes at a moment when educational leaders are threatened like never before for their progressive political views and actions. His time in office has drawn national spotlight. His endorsement by former President Donald Trump is, to many, an indication of his adherence to and admiration for the larger conservative movements sweeping the nation.