Oklahoma’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, Ryan Walters, has issued a directive for public schools to measure the impact of illegal immigration on the state’s educational system and incorporate Bible teachings into school curriculums, which many districts now argue violates state laws and the separation of church and state.
Ryan Walters’ Background
Ryan Walters, Oklahoma’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, has been a controversial figure known for his conservative stance on education, pushing for traditional values and stricter control over school curricula.
Illegal Immigration Impact
Now, once again, Ryan Walters is making controversial headlines after announcing that Oklahoma schools will be asked to report the “cost and burden” of illegal immigration on schools and taxpayers.
Becoming Overon
When discussing his reasoning for such a decision, Walters said, “The reality is Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have let the border become overrun.”
Pouring Into America
Walters went on to say, “We have this rush of illegal immigrants across the border. We have a fentanyl crisis where fentanyl is pouring into the states [and] pouring into our schools.”
Federal Government Critique
Walters also criticized the federal government for failing to secure the borders, believing Oklahoma schools are suffering as a result and that the state will step up where the government has failed.
Stepping Up
“Where the government has failed to act, Oklahoma will step up,” Walters said. “We will step in. We will make sure that we understand the cost to taxpayers so that our kids can get the best education possible.”
Fentanyl Crisis Context
According to the CDC, drug overdose deaths have drastically risen from 2019 to 2022, but Walter’s connection between these broader public health issues and illegal immigration seems foggy at best.
Decreasing Border Issues
At the same time, U.S. Border Patrol agents reported June had the lowest monthly number of migrant captures since President Biden took office with just over 84,000, a 30% decrease from May.
Superintendent Response
Chris Brewster, superintendent of Santa Fe South, emphasized that schools do not and legally cannot ask about students’ immigration status.
Refusing Service to Students
“According to the 1982 Supreme Court ruling, Plyler vs. Doe, no public school may refuse to serve any student who applies, regardless of their immigration status,” Brewster said.
Bringing Diversity
Brewster also rejected the idea that students without legal immigration status are a burden on schools and that they actually provide diversity within the school population.
Rich in Diversity
“In no way would I characterize that as a burden,” Brewster said. “We’re a public institution that serves our public, and our public is a very diverse, rich population of all kinds of kids coming from different backgrounds.”
Bible Curriculum Controversy
Walters also issued guidelines that would require schools to teach from the Bible in grades five through twelve and maintain physical copies of the Bible and the Ten Commandments in every classroom.
Refusing to Comply
In response to Walter’s guidelines, more than a dozen Oklahoma school districts have refused to comply with Walters’ bible directive, arguing it may violate state laws and separation of church and state principles.
Districts’ Legal Stand
Districts like Bixby, Broken Arrow, and Tulsa have already stated they will adhere to current state-approved academic standards instead of Walters’ new directive.
Advised by Legal Council
“To date, schools have been advised by legal counsel (School Board Association and State Attorney General) to not follow the guidance because it goes against current Oklahoma State Law,” said Lee Northcutt, superintendent of Caddo Public Schools.
Parental Lawsuit
A parent in Mayes County, Joseph Price, has also filed a lawsuit against Walters’ directive on the grounds that they violate state rule-making laws and the separation of church and state.
Enforcement and Retaliation
In response to the non-compliance, Walters has threatened to penalize the districts and suggested that he might target their state academic accreditation or pursue other legal actions.
Broader Legal and Social Context
Unfortunately, this case seems to be part of a broader trend of conservative legal challenges to school policies that protect LGBTQ+ students from harassment and respect their identities.
Free Speech Cases
In the majority of these lawsuits targeting protections for LGBTQ+ students, they focus on free speech and claims of religious freedom.
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Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Mehaniq.
