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.