Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters ordered that a video featuring his statements and a prayer for President-elect Donald Trump be shown in schools. The video, which includes Walters expressing opinions and making unverified claims, has faced resistance from school districts. Legal experts have raised concerns, suggesting that the directive may be unlawful, according to KFOR.
Several school superintendents, including those from Edmond, Mustang, Moore, and Norman, have expressed opposition to a state mandate requiring schools to show a video about the newly created Office of Religious Liberty and Patriotism. The superintendents argue that the mandate lacks legal authority and infringes on parental rights, local control, and individual freedoms. The state attorney general’s office has backed their position, emphasizing these concerns, in coverage by The Oklahoman.
Legal concerns were raised about the playing of a prayer video for students. Alex Luchenitser, Associate Vice President and Associate Legal Director of Americans United for Separation of Church & State, stated, "Playing a prayer video to students and forcing them to watch, it would violate the First Amendment of the US Constitution, it would violate the separation of church and state, it would violate students' religious freedoms." The prayer video, included in an email about President-elect Trump, was initially retracted and later resent due to technical issues with the video link, as Fox 25 reported.
Critics argue that Walters has overstepped his authority, a position backed by legal counsel from secular organizations. Chris Line, Legal Counsel for the Freedom From Religion Foundation told, Fox 25, "It's pretty clear that Ryan Walters does not have the authority to impose curriculum or to tell superintendents to show a certain video." This sentiment is shared across many districts, showing widespread concern that the state superintendent's mandate may have crossed legal and ethical boundaries.
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