Ryan Walters, Oklahoma’s controversial schools chieftain who put the Ten Commandments in classrooms, has issued another edict to public schools: Kids have to watch a video infused with politics and religion.
In the video, Walters (photo, left) attacks teachers unions, claims religion is under attack, and encourages them to “pray for President Donald Trump and his team” (read story here). He also ordered the video sent to all parents of students.
The state’s largest school districts are refusing to comply; and Oklahoma’s Republican attorney general said Walters has overstepped his authority and is violating parents’ rights.
Oklahoma teachers are among the nation’s lowest paid, and that state is trying to overcome teacher shortages by certifying new hires without education training (see story here).
Universal free public education, instituted in the late 19th century, played a major role in America’s superpower status; but Walters doesn’t believe in it. Before being elected to Oklahoma’s top schools job, he ran a nonprofit advocacy group promoting charter schools and privatizing education (see story here).
As public schools boss, he’s pushed for Bible instruction in public schools, and has sought to purchase overpriced “Trump Bibles” ($60 each) with taxpayer funds. Parents’ groups and others have responded with lawsuits.
Walters, despite a religious upbringing, wasn’t always like that. After college, he was a popular teacher. He probably understands the First Amendment and separation of church and state. But religion and rightwing politics sell well in Oklahoma, and political ambition likely turned him into an attention-seeking culture warrior (see story here).
I’m sure he also grasps that the Constitution and Bill of Rights function as our social contract. Walters is of a new breed of Republicans who haven’t totally abrogated that agreement, but now pick and choose which of your rights they’ll acknowledge and respect.