The sparks were flying on CNN when Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters went toe-to-toe with Pamela Brown over incorporating the Bible and Ten Commandments into public school curricula.
Walters, an unapologetic advocate for blending faith and education, stood firm against what he called the “gaslighting from the left,” making it clear that he’s on a mission to bring Trump’s education agenda to life in the Sooner State.
BREAKING: Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters announces that Oklahoma will become the first state in the United States to bring the Bible back into classrooms.
— Ian Jaeger (@IanJaeger29) November 15, 2024
Brown kicked off the segment by addressing the growing backlash, including a petition with over 14,000 signatures opposing the mandate. Walters didn’t hesitate to push back, accusing the left—and by extension, the media—of distorting the issue. “The Constitution is clear about religious liberty,” Walters said, countering Brown’s claim that the document “doesn’t have God in it.”
It’s the kind of exchange that perfectly encapsulates the cultural tug-of-war playing out in America’s schools. Walters insists the Bible’s inclusion isn’t about promoting religion but recognizing its undeniable influence on American history. “The Bible is a historical document. You can’t rewrite history,” he declared, brushing aside suggestions to equally emphasize texts like the Quran or the Book of Mormon. Walters emphasized that while those texts have cultural significance, they simply didn’t shape the founding of the nation like the Bible did.
Brown pressed him on concerns about teaching potentially graphic parts of the Bible and respecting diverse perspectives in Oklahoma’s education system. Walters, however, wasn’t budging. He framed the backlash as part of a broader attempt by the left to erase American values and “radicalize” education. “President Trump has a clear mandate,” he reminded viewers, listing priorities like school choice, patriotism, and keeping “radical leftism out of the classroom.”
PAMELA BROWN: The Trump bibles are $60 a pop. There are many bibles available that cost half that. Why are you using a Trump-endorsed bible?
RYAN WALTERS: The bible, declaration of independence, and constitution are all included in this bible that we purchased pic.twitter.com/lGn0dzrpnR
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) November 18, 2024
Critics will call this a crusade for Christian nationalism, but supporters argue it’s about restoring balance in an education system hijacked by progressive ideologies. Walters is banking on the fact that his constituents largely agree. “Every county in Oklahoma voted for President Trump,” he pointed out, a not-so-subtle reminder that he’s acting with the blessing of Oklahoma parents.
Meanwhile, some school districts in Oklahoma have flatly refused to implement the Bible mandate. Walters dismissed their resistance as another example of educators defying parents’ wishes. “Look, CNN doesn’t have to like it, left-wing activists don’t have to like it, but the American people have rejected this gaslighting.”
While Walters’ approach is polarizing, one thing is clear: he’s not playing defense. With the left pushing secularism in schools, Walters is determined to meet it with a full-throttle push for faith, patriotism, and what he sees as the real history of America. Love it or hate it, he’s not backing down.
