Walters orders public schools show students video of him speaking politically-charged opinions, praying for Donald Trump
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters emailed leaders in Oklahoma school districts on Thursday telling them they would be required to play their students and parents a video showing Walters blaming the “radical left” and “woke teachers unions” for “attacking” religious liberty, then inviting students to join him as he prays for President-elect Donald Trump.
News 4 obtained a copy of the email Walters sent superintendents in Oklahoma school districts just before 4 p.m. Thursday.
In the email, Walters told superintendents they were required to play a video for all students and parents, in which Walters makes politically-charged statements about teachers unions and liberals, followed by a prayer for President-elect Donald Trump and the country.
The email said:
“Dear Superintendent:
We are in a dangerous time for this country. Student's rights and freedoms regarding religious liberties are continuously under assault. The newly created Department of Religious Liberty and Patriotism will be working to thwart any attempts to disrupt our Oklahoma student's fundamental freedoms.
In one of the first steps of the newly created department, we are requiring all of Oklahoma schools to play the attached video to all kids that are enrolled. We are also requiring that that school districts send this video to all parents as well.
Students are encouraged but not required to join me in this prayer.
Sincerely,
Ryan Walters
State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Oklahoma State Department of Education”
Text in the email hyperlinked to an unlisted video posted on the Oklahoma State Department of Education's (OSDE) YouTube page Thursday.
The video, titled ‘Supt. Walters Announcement Regarding the Department of Religious Freedom and Patriotism,” begins with Walters facing a camera while sitting at the desk in his office.
A mug sits on the desk next to Walters’ hands.
Printed on the mug is the Latin phrase “si vis pacem para bellum,” which translates to “if you want peace, prepare for war.”
Walters begins the video by making an announcement.
“We’re excited to announce a new office here in the State Department of Education, that will be the Office of Religious Freedom and Patriotism.” Walters begins the video saying.
Without citing any examples, Walters then goes on to make politically charged statements about people on the political left.
“For too long in this country, we’ve seen the radical left attack individuals’ religious liberty in our schools,” Walters says. “We will not tolerate that in Oklahoma. Your religious liberties will be protected.”
Then, once again without citing any examples, Walters makes politically charged statements aimed at teachers unions.
“We’ve also seen patriotism mocked, and a hatred for this country pushed by woke teachers unions.” Walters says. “We will not tolerate that in any school in Oklahoma. We want our students be patriotic. We want our students to love this country. And we want all students’ religious liberty to be protected.”
Then, Walters invites students watching the video to join him in a prayer.
He makes clear students are not required to pray with him.
“I will now say a prayer—and to be clear, students, you don’t have to join—but if you so wish, I’m gonna go ahead and pray,” Walters says.
Walters then bows his head and begins to pray.
“Dear God, thank you for all the blessings you’ve given our country,” Walters says. “I pray for our leaders to make the right decisions. I pray, in particular, for President Donald Trump, and his team, as they continue to bring about change to the country. I pray for our parents, teachers and kids—that they get the best education possible, and live high-quality lives. I also pray that we continue to teach love of country to our young people, and that our students understand what makes America great, and that they continue to love this country. Amen.”
The video ends immediately after Walters ends the prayer.
Leaders in at least one Oklahoma school district told News 4 on Thursday they would not show their students the video, despite Walters telling them they would be required to do so.
News 4 reached out to OSDE on Wednesday and asked a spokesperson if OSDE’s legal staff approved the email and video.
News 4 also asked if Walters would consider the video a form of political indoctrination, and if he doesn’t, why?
So far, News 4 has not received a response.