READING WRITING AND RELIGIOUS INDOCTRINATION: SSPI RYAN WALTERS' BIG PLAN FOR CHRISTIAN REVIVAL IN OKLAHOMA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Oklahoma's Superintendent of Public Instruction, Ryan Walters, has recently announced his new Christ Complex, and it's causing quite a stir. Walters, a Republican, has vowed to turn Oklahoma into a theocracy if he's elected governor, and he's pushing for more religious teachings in public schools.
Walters' new Christ Complex has caused many to question his motives and qualifications as an educator. Critics argue that his push for prayers in public schools and the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms blurs the line between church and state. Walters has also proposed rules to ban books with "sexually explicit" material and LGBTQIA+ titles, opposed teaching critical race theory in schools, and threatened to downgrade the accreditation of Tulsa Public Schools over poor academic performance.
But Walters' supporters believe that his ideologies could catch on in other states with conservative education leaders. They see him as a champion of Christian education and parental rights, promoting traditional values in a world that's becoming increasingly secular.
However, Walters' Christ Complex has also drawn criticism from some Republicans, who believe that more serious work needs to be done to improve Oklahoma's education system. State Representative Jeff Boatman has called for a focus on improving reading scores and getting more schools off the state's "F" list, rather than promoting religious indoctrination.
Despite the controversy surrounding his ideas, Walters remains committed to promoting Christian education in Oklahoma schools. He's a member of the Southern Baptist Convention and believes that the Bible should be the foundation of all education. He's also said that schools should be allowed to teach about creationism alongside evolution.
But Walters' Christ Complex isn't just a problem in Oklahoma. It's part of a larger trend of white Christian nationalism that's been on the rise in the United States in recent years. This ideology combines white supremacy with Christian nationalism, asserting that white Christians are superior to other races and cultures, and that the United States should be a Christian nation.
White Christian nationalism has a significant impact on US education, promoting a distorted version of American history that glorifies white Christian heroes and erases or demonizes people of color, immigrants, religious minorities, and LGBTQ+ people. It also opposes scientific theories such as evolution and climate change, and seeks to undermine the separation of church and state by promoting school prayer, religious displays, and vouchers for religious schools.
To combat white Christian nationalism in schools, it's important to promote accurate and inclusive curricula that reflect the diversity and complexity of American history and society. It's also important to uphold the constitutional principle of church-state separation that protects the rights and freedoms of all Americans regardless of their religion or belief. And it's important to foster a culture of dialogue and respect among different groups and perspectives, encouraging civic engagement and social justice among students and educators.
In conclusion, Ryan Walters' new Christ Complex is a funny yet concerning situation for Oklahoma's education system. While some may see him as a champion of Christian education and parental rights, others view him as a threat to democracy, diversity, and human rights. As educators and citizens, we must continue to promote accurate and inclusive curricula that reflect the diversity of our society while upholding the constitutional principles that protect our rights and freedoms. And maybe we can all have a good laugh at Ryan Walters' expense along the way.
Church vs state: Oklahoma superintendent pushes Christianity in schools https://www.newsnationnow.com/religion/oklahoma-superintendent-religion-public-classrooms/
How Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters is pushing Christianity in schools https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/ryan-walters-oklahoma-schools-superintendent-tulsa-rcna101235
Oklahoma schools head takes aim at Tulsa district, critics say his motives are politically | KTUL https://ktul.com/news/local/oklahoma-schools-head-takes-aim-at-tulsa-district-critics-say-his-motives-are-politically-driven
What to know before Tulsa Public Schools accreditation meeting | KTUL https://ktul.com/news/local/what-to-know-before-tps-accreditation-meeting
2nd Bomb Threat Made To Ellen Ochoa Elementary; Parents Check Students Out Of School https://www.newson6.com/story/64e621b903ab320727ee9b8a/2nd-bomb-threat-made-to-ellen-ochoa-elementary-parents-check-students-out-of-school
Tulsa police respond to 2nd bomb threat at Union elementary school | KTUL https://ktul.com/news/local/tulsa-police-respond-to-second-bomb-threat-at-union-elementary-school
THE DEFT DIVE
FROM BARD AI
Ryan Walters is the Oklahoma State Superintendent of Education. He is a Republican who has been in office since 2021. Walters is a strong supporter of Christian education and has been outspoken about his belief that schools should be allowed to teach Christianity.
In 2022, Walters signed an executive order that allows schools to teach about the Bible and other religious texts. The order also allows schools to allow students to pray in school, as long as it is not disruptive.
Walters's order has been met with criticism from some who believe that it is a violation of the separation of church and state. However, Walters has defended the order, saying that it is simply a way to allow schools to teach about different cultures and religions.
Walters is not the only one who is pushing for more Christianity in Oklahoma schools. In recent years, there have been a number of efforts to introduce religious curriculum into schools. In 2021, a bill was introduced in the Oklahoma legislature that would have required schools to teach creationism alongside evolution. The bill was ultimately defeated, but it is a sign of the growing influence of Christian nationalism in Oklahoma.
The presence of Christianity in Oklahoma schools is a complex issue. There is a long history of Christian education in the state, and many people believe that it is important for schools to teach about Christianity. However, there are also concerns about the separation of church and state, and about the potential for religious discrimination.
It is too early to say what the long-term impact of Ryan Walters's executive order will be. However, it is clear that he is committed to promoting Christian education in Oklahoma schools. This is likely to be a controversial issue for years to come.
Here are some additional things to know about Ryan Walters and Christianity in Oklahoma schools:
- * Walters is a member of the Southern Baptist Convention, one of the largest Protestant denominations in the United States.
- * He has said that he believes that the Bible should be the foundation of all education.
- * He has also said that he believes that schools should be allowed to teach about creationism alongside evolution.
- * Walters's views on Christianity in schools have been praised by some and criticized by others.
- * The issue of Christianity in schools is likely to remain a controversial one in Oklahoma for years to come.
White Christian nationalism is a belief system that combines white supremacy with Christian nationalism. It is a racist ideology that asserts that white Christians are superior to other races and cultures, and that the United States should be a Christian nation.
White Christian nationalism has been on the rise in the United States in recent years. This is due in part to the election of Donald Trump, who has been accused of promoting white nationalist views. White Christian nationalists have also been active in school board meetings and other local political forums, where they have sought to influence curriculum and policies.
There are a number of ways in which white Christian nationalism can manifest itself in schools. For example, white Christian nationalists may try to ban books that they deem to be "CRT" (critical race theory) or "woke," or they may try to censor discussions of race and racism. They may also try to promote Christian prayer or religious instruction in schools.
The presence of white Christian nationalism in schools can have a number of negative consequences. It can create a hostile environment for students of color, LGBTQ students, and other marginalized groups. It can also lead to the suppression of free speech and academic freedom.
There are a number of things that can be done to combat white Christian nationalism in schools. School administrators can adopt policies that promote diversity and inclusion, and they can provide training for staff on how to identify and address bias. Parents and community members can also get involved in school board elections and other local political forums to ensure that schools are not being influenced by white Christian nationalist ideology.
Here are some specific examples of how white Christian nationalism has manifested itself in schools:
- * In 2019, a school board in Tennessee voted to ban the teaching of critical race theory, which is an academic framework that examines the ways in which racism is embedded in American institutions.
- * In 2020, a group of parents in Florida filed a lawsuit against a school district, alleging that the district was promoting "wokeness" by teaching students about racism and sexism.
- * In 2021, a teacher in Texas was placed on administrative leave after she read a book about Martin Luther King Jr. to her students. The book was challenged by parents who objected to its discussion of racism.
These are just a few examples of the ways in which white Christian nationalism can manifest itself in schools. It is important to be aware of this ideology and to take steps to combat it, in order to create schools that are safe and welcoming for all students.
FROM BING AI
White Christian nationalism (WCN) is a term that refers to a political and religious ideology that combines white supremacy, Christian fundamentalism, and American exceptionalism. WCN claims that the United States was founded as a Christian nation by white Christians, and that its laws and institutions are based on biblical principles. WCN also asserts that America has a divine mission to spread Christianity and democracy around the world, and that any threat to its dominance or purity must be resisted by any means necessary¹².
WCN has a long history in the United States, dating back to the colonial era, when some Puritans saw themselves as the chosen people of God who had to conquer the native inhabitants of the land². WCN has also been influenced by various movements and events, such as the Great Awakening, the Civil War, the Scopes Trial, the Cold War, the Moral Majority, the 9/11 attacks, and the election of Barack Obama¹².
WCN has a significant impact on US education, both in public and private schools. WCN advocates for teaching a distorted version of American history that glorifies white Christian heroes and erases or demonizes people of color, immigrants, religious minorities, and LGBTQ+ people³⁴⁵. WCN also opposes scientific theories such as evolution and climate change, and promotes creationism and intelligent design as alternatives⁴⁵. WCN also seeks to undermine the separation of church and state by promoting school prayer, religious displays, and vouchers for religious schools⁴⁵.
WCN poses a serious threat to democracy, diversity, and human rights in the United States and beyond. WCN is often associated with violence, extremism, and terrorism, as evidenced by the January 6th attack on the Capitol². WCN also fuels hatred, bigotry, and discrimination against anyone who does not conform to its narrow vision of America¹². WCN also undermines the values of pluralism, tolerance, and critical thinking that are essential for a healthy and vibrant society⁴⁵.
To counter WCN in US education, it is important to expose its falsehoods and harms, and to promote accurate and inclusive curricula that reflect the diversity and complexity of American history and society. It is also important to uphold the constitutional principle of church-state separation that protects the rights and freedoms of all Americans regardless of their religion or belief. It is also important to foster a culture of dialogue and respect among different groups and perspectives, and to encourage civic engagement and social justice among students and educators⁴⁵.
Bing, 8/24/2023
- (1) Understanding White Christian Nationalism | Institution for Social and .... https://isps.yale.edu/news/blog/2022/10/understanding-white-christian-nationalism.
- (2) White Christian Nationalism: The Deep Story Behind the Capitol Insurrection. https://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/responses/white-christian-nationalism-the-deep-story-behind-the-capitol-insurrection.
- (3) Americans United says Florida is inserting white Christian nationalism .... https://baptistnews.com/article/americans-united-says-florida-is-inserting-white-christian-nationalism-in-the-classroom/.
- (4) White Christian Nationalists: Who Are They? What Do They Want? Why .... https://www.au.org/the-latest/church-and-state/articles/white-christian-nationalists-who-are-they/.
- (5) Column: Christian nationalism threatens US education. https://www.vnews.com/Column-White-Christian-nationalism-on-the-rise-38826105.
Ryan Walters is the current State Superintendent of Public Instruction in Oklahoma, and a vocal advocate of Christianity in Oklahoma schools. He was elected in 2022 as a Republican, and has since pursued a number of controversial policies and initiatives that aim to promote Christian values and beliefs in the state's education system. Here are some of the main aspects of his agenda and actions:
- He wants to establish a faith-based advisory committee to help protect the right of students and teachers to pray and worship in public schools. He also supports displaying the Ten Commandments in every classroom, and has called the separation of church and state a "false narrative" that needs to be changed¹²³⁴⁵.
- - He has adopted regulations that prohibit school libraries from circulating books with "sexualized content", which could include books that feature LGBTQ+ characters or themes. He has also required educators to inform parents if their child changes their gender identity, and has opposed the inclusion of LGBTQ+ issues in the curriculum¹².
- - He has questioned the value of sending Oklahoma students to the state's colleges, which he claims are indoctrinating them with "ideologies" that are contrary to Christian principles. He has also criticized the teaching of critical race theory, which he views as a way of making students hate their country and their heritage²⁴.
- - He has threatened to take over Tulsa Public Schools, the state's largest district, for allegedly failing to meet academic standards and comply with state mandates. This has led to the resignation of Tulsa's superintendent, who accused Walters of politicizing education and undermining local control¹.
Walters' actions have drawn support from some conservative groups and activists, who see him as a champion of parental rights and Christian values. However, they have also sparked criticism and opposition from many educators, parents, students, civil rights organizations, and religious leaders, who see him as a threat to democracy, diversity, and human rights. They argue that Walters is violating the constitutional principle of church-state separation, which protects the rights and freedoms of all Americans regardless of their religion or belief. They also contend that Walters is imposing his personal beliefs on public schools, which should be places of learning, not indoctrination. They also claim that Walters is harming the quality and reputation of Oklahoma's education system, which already faces many challenges and needs¹²³⁴⁵.
Bing, 8/24/2023
- (1) How Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters is pushing Christianity in schools. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/ryan-walters-oklahoma-schools-superintendent-tulsa-rcna101235.
- (2) State Superintendent of Public Instruction - Ryan Walters | Oklahoma .... https://sde.ok.gov/superintendent-public-instruction-ryan-walters.
- (3) Oklahoma's Ryan Walters wants to explore prayer in public schools. https://www.koco.com/article/oklahoma-ryan-walters-prayer-public-schools-faith-based-advisory-committee/43061575.
- (4) Walters sets up committee to protect prayer in schools ... - KOSU. https://www.kosu.org/education/2023-02-24/walters-sets-up-committee-to-protect-prayer-in-schools-ridicules-oklahoma-colleges-for-ideologies-on-campus.
- (5) Some see a chance to promote Christian faith in Oklahoma schools. https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/politics/government/2023/06/24/ryan-walters-christianity-oklahoma-schools-ten-commandments-analysis/70350204007/.
