Publishers Resist Oklahoma Superintendent's Far-Right Curriculum Changes

Oklahoma's curriculum clash: textbook publishers push back on proposed changes Last year, Ryan Walters, Oklahoma's Superintendent, stirred up quite a storm with his idea about bringing Trump-branded Bibles right onto school desks. That was just round one. Now, Walters has found himself in another heated debate, this time with major textbook publishers who are not thrilled with his freshly proposed curriculum standards. Released last December, these standards are fueled by a strong Christian Nationalist take on American history, sparking fiery debates from all sides.

Big-name publishers take a stand Houghton Mifflon Harcourt, a heavyweight in textbook publishing, has decided they're not on board with Walters' plans. According a report from Oklahoma Watch, they've called out Oklahoma's demands as both economically unfeasible and impractical, given that Oklahoma's student population isn't exactly massive. This move signals a widespread resistance against what many see as far-right ideology creeping its ways in through education. It's not just Houghton Mifflon Harcourt either. Several smaller publishers are also saying "no thanks" when it comes Walters' vision that pairs Biblical interpretation with historical conspiracies. This has raised alarm bells among parents and educators, who worry about students being presented with a particular viewpoint rather than a balanced perspective on history.

Raising eyebrows: contentious lesson plans Among these lesson plans, one encourages students investigate supposed irregularities in 2020 election results, diving deep in mail-in voting and voter turnout. Sound familiar? Yes, it mirrors claims made by former President Trump. Then there are lessons promoting unverified theories about COVID-19's origins in a Chinese lab, along with a Christian Nationalist retelling America's roots. For example, second graders are told tales emphasizing Christianity's shaping role in colonial America. By eighth grade, they're exploring how Judeo-Christian values powered up independence. And high schoolers? They're tasked with examining religious principles' impact on crafting our Constitution. Walters claims that America's founders were heavily influenced by biblical ideas, which stands in stark contrast against Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke, whose secular philosophies played a big part in shaping our nation's foundation. Some publishers have made tiny tweaks here and there in their online textbooks, attempting nod at Walters' standards but stopping short endorsing conspiracy theories. They cautiously mention courts found no significant evidence Trump's election fraud claims.

Facing hurdles: Walters' curriculum uncertain path ahead Even without buy-in from big publishers, Walters' lesson plans are still set roll out in classrooms this upcoming school year. But here's where it gets interesting - individual teachers and school districts have ultimate say over whether they introduce these controversial ideas. Previously, Walters had asked $3 million buy thousands Trump-branded Bibles hand out across Oklahoma schools, running right headlong major pushback on constitutional grounds from at least 13 school districts. Walters has also been vocal about banning LGBTQ+ books in schools and thrives on making unproven claims about schools accommodating imaginary student demands. He's even gone as far label teachers' unions as "terrorist organizations" while trying stifle local control over LGBTQ+ content, adding more fuel controversy. In 2024, Walters appointed Chaya Raichik, a figure known her anti-LGBTQ+ stance on socials, Oklahoma's Library Media Advisor. Despite not having any background in education or library sciences, Raichik's role underscores this administration's commitment pushing conservative policies in educational spaces. Want stay updated with these developments and more? Sign up our newsletter, and you'll be first know about key stories impacting LGBTQ+ communities around globe.