Oklahoma Schools Superintendent Faces Backlash Over Mandatory Prayer Video

In a recent controversy, Oklahoma State Schools Superintendent Ryan Walters has faced significant backlash after mandating that all public schools in the state show a video announcement that includes a prayer. The video, part of the launch of a new Department of Religious Freedom and Patriotism within the state’s Department of Education, was sent to school superintendents on Thursday with instructions to play it for all students and distribute it to parents.

In the video, Walters addresses what he perceives as attacks on religious liberty and patriotism by “woke teachers unions.” He also prays for the leaders of the United States, specifically mentioning President-elect Donald Trump and his team. However, Walters clarified that students are not required to join in the prayer.

The Oklahoma Attorney General’s office quickly responded, stating that Walters has no authority under state law to issue such a mandate. The attorney general’s office described the edict as “unenforceable” and contrary to parents’ rights, local control, and individual free-exercise rights.

Multiple school districts have already indicated that they have no plans to show the video to students, further complicating the situation. This is not the first time Walters has been at the center of controversy; he is already facing two lawsuits over his earlier mandate to incorporate the Bible into lesson plans for students in grades 5 through 12.

The latest development includes the purchase of over 500 Bibles, specifically “God Bless the USA Bibles,” for use in Advanced Placement government classes. This move has also been criticized, with one lawsuit alleging that the request for proposal was tailored to match Bibles endorsed by President-elect Donald Trump[3]).