Oklahoma high school students will soon learn about conspiracy theories related to the 2020 presidential election as part of new social studies standards directed by state School Superintendent Ryan Walters. The revisions, which infuse references to the Bible and emphasize national pride, have drawn criticism from various quarters, even among some Republicans, who express concern over last-minute changes introduced before the state school board’s vote. Walters has positioned these updates as a shift away from what he terms left-wing indoctrination, asserting that they encourage a more factual understanding of history.
Previously, students were instructed to “examine issues” related to the 2020 election. The revised standard is more detailed, urging students to identify supposed discrepancies in the election outcomes, including issues with mail-in ballots and alleged ballot-counting irregularities. Critics argue that this narrative promotes misinformation and biases teaching. A lawsuit has been filed by parents and educators, claiming the standards lack proper review and present a distorted perspective on history.
Concerns extend to the risk of rural teachers imposing personal beliefs in classrooms, escalating fears about the politicization of curricula. Although there was an attempt by GOP lawmakers to reject the standards, they lacked sufficient support, amid threats from pro-Trump organizations against dissenting legislators.
Walters, who has enlisted a conservative committee for updates, defends the standards as promoting critical thinking. However, experts have expressed alarm over the focus on biblical references, raising questions about the accuracy of historical interpretations. There is growing consensus that Oklahoma’s once strong social studies standards are now significantly compromised, potentially sacrificing educational integrity for political aims.
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