Red state issues new guidance to schools to address rising antisemitism and new conflicts

In response to the recent surge in conflicts in the Middle East and rising tensions within the U.S., the Oklahoma Department of Education has taken a firm stand against what they perceive as “woke, radicalized, terrorist-sympathizing rhetoric” being pushed by leftist educators. Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters issued a memo to all public schools in the state, emphasizing the importance of teaching facts rather than indoctrination.

The memo provides new guidance to Oklahoma public schools, particularly in the realm of social studies, to ensure that instruction on Israel is historically grounded and balanced. It calls for the use of primary sources, historical evidence, and a focus on guarding against antisemitic or politicized narratives. Walters emphasized the need for students to understand the history of Israel, including the atrocities of the Holocaust and the ongoing struggle with Iran, in a way that is intellectually honest and free from bias.

The memo comes at a time when antisemitic incidents are on the rise across the country, and tensions have escalated following Israel’s strikes against Iran and the U.S.’s involvement in launching strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. The Oklahoma State Department of Education pointed to a recent controversy in New York where a standardized exam study guide described Zionism as a colonial movement and included misleading references to terrorism, as an example of the dangers of distorted historical facts and ideologies inconsistent with Oklahoma values.

The tragic events of October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched a brutal attack on Israeli civilians, killing over 1,200 people and taking hundreds hostage, are highlighted in the memo as a turning point in modern Middle Eastern history. Walters stressed the importance of presenting global conflicts with clarity, accuracy, and moral responsibility in educational settings.

In a statement to Fox News Digital, Walters praised Oklahoma’s history standards as the best in the country, based on facts and designed to safeguard students from what he perceives as woke, radicalized, terrorist-sympathizing rhetoric. This initiative comes amid heightened tensions in the U.S. due to the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, as well as President Donald Trump’s decision to launch military strikes on Iranian nuclear development sites.

Overall, the Oklahoma Department of Education’s efforts to combat biased and distorted narratives in education reflect a commitment to providing students with a well-rounded, fact-based understanding of global conflicts and history. By emphasizing the importance of accuracy and integrity in education, Oklahoma aims to equip students with the critical thinking skills needed to navigate complex geopolitical issues in a responsible manner.