Ryan Walters declares war on Social Studies…

After taking a quick break for the 4th of July holiday, Ryan Walters and Matt Langston’s pandering right-wing indoctrination campaign is thrusting full speed ahead.

In a move that’s sure to make both George Washington and George Orwell spin in their graves, Ryan and Matt issued a press release unveiling a grand wizard plan to reprogram Oklahoma’s social studies curriculum with Christian Nationalist dogma.

Since they can’t just come out and say that, they’re naturally spinning it as something totally different:

In conjunction with the celebration of 248 years of American independence this week, State Superintendent Ryan Walters announced a complete overhaul to Oklahoma’s social studies standards today. The new approach to social studies standards will ensure the social studies standards are chronologically sound, reinforced, and reiterated through a student’s primary and secondary education, will empower schools to teach from primary sources, and will inspire in students a love of country and a proper understanding of the American founding. It will also eliminate DEI, indoctrination, and return teaching back to the basics in Oklahoma.

Oklahomans – citizens, parents, and business leaders alike – are disgusted with the lack of civic knowledge, love for our country, and historical education among our young people,” said Walters. “It is crystal clear that we need to return to more rigorous social studies standards that emphasize the unique and exceptional nature of the American republic, promote a proper understanding of the nation’s founding, and instill pride in our civic traditions and Oklahoma heritage.

Yep, nothing says “eliminate indoctrination” like twisting history lessons into propaganda messages to coerce students into loving their country.

While they’re at it, maybe they should start teaching from the Bible and other ancient religious texts, too? That will really open students’ minds and help establish critical thinking skills.

Wait. Ryan’s already a step ahead of me on that one:

The revised standards will incorporate the introduction of the Bible as an instructional resource that Superintendent Walters announced last week, as well as ensuring that social studies reflect accuracy and not politically slanted viewpoints. A renewed emphasis on biography and the study of inspiring leaders in history will align Oklahoma standards more with a classical learning model.

Yep, the right-wing guy who wants to disregard the US Constitution by teaching from the Bible also thinks social studies should “reflect accuracy and not politically slanted viewpoints.”

I’m actually surprised Ryan wants to prevent teachers from teaching historical hot takes, because it will really hamper his future efforts to teach his favorite politically twisted views that aren't grounded in reality.

You know, things like the Civil War was fought over state rights, colonization was good for Native Americans, and, best of all, the Tulsa Massacre wasn’t motivated by race.

“I would say you be judgmental of the issue, of the action, of the content, of the character of the individual, absolutely. But let’s not tie it to the skin color and say that the skin color determined it.” – Ryan Walters

To help Ryan in his mission to revamp the state’s social studies curriculum into a propaganda mill that will indoctrinate Oklahoma students with politically motivated religious beliefs, pseudohistory, and other fringe right-wing beliefs and mythologies, he’s enlisted a world-class team of discredited educators, historians, and other Christian nationalists to his "Executive Review Committee."

Although the Libs of TikTok lady was left off the list, some of the more notable selections include PragerU founder Dennis Prager, WallBuilder’s David Barton, and, my personal favorite, the Heritage Foundation’s Dr. Kevin Roberts, a right-wing nut who is fine fighting a bloodless revolution… if the left will allow it.

Wow. It’s good to know our State Superintendent is putting such sane, level-headed people in charge of creating our state's education standards, huh?

Anyway, you can view some of the other comrades that Ryan’s added to the Oklahoma Ministry of Education Executive Review Committee right here.

In the meantime, stay with The Lost Ogle. We’ll keep you advised.