Oklahoma Democratic Party Condemns Superintendent Walters' Religious Mandates and Misuse of Funds

Oklahoma City, OK – The Oklahoma Democratic Party denounces State Superintendent Ryan Walters' continued disregard for constitutional principles through his mandated video promoting a Department of Religious Freedom and Patriotism and the $24,000 expenditure of public funds on Bibles for school classrooms. Released during National Separation of Church and State Week, these actions violate the foundational principle of religious freedom while misusing taxpayer dollars that could address Oklahoma's significant educational challenges.

Superintendent Walters’ video includes a prayer for former President Donald Trump and calls for schools to comply with directives emphasizing a narrow religious and political agenda. Coupled with the decision to use public funds to distribute religious materials, these actions cross clear constitutional boundaries, undermining the rights of students and families of diverse beliefs.

“Ryan Walters’ actions not only erode the separation of church and state but also misappropriate scarce educational resources to fund unconstitutional mandates,” said Alicia Andrews, Chair of the Oklahoma Democratic Party. “At a time when our schools are struggling with teacher shortages, outdated materials, and underfunded programs, spending $24,000 on Bibles reflects a fundamental disregard for the real needs of Oklahoma’s students.”

Several major school districts, including Edmond and Bixby, have already refused to comply with these directives, and Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond has stated that Walters lacks the legal authority to enforce them. These developments highlight the growing backlash against divisive and unconstitutional efforts that prioritize political posturing over educational equity.

The Oklahoma Democratic Party calls on Superintendent Walters to halt this misuse of funds and rescind these mandates. Furthermore, we urge all Oklahomans to use National Separation of Church and State Week as an opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to safeguarding religious freedom and ensuring public schools remain inclusive spaces for all students.