Walters eager to dismantle Department of Education
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Here’s the full text of Walters’ letter:
The federal government has hijacked our education system, using taxpayer dollars to impose
harmful policies and control what is taught in our schools. This memo addresses five major areas
where eliminating the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) and moving to block grants would
restore authority to states, allowing communities — not Washington bureaucrats — to decide what is
best for their children.
1. Championing Parents’ Rights: The Biden administration labeled parents as threats and tried
to silence their concerns. States, when restored control, will ensure parents’ voices are not
just heard but respected.
2. Ending Social Indoctrination in Classrooms: Federal funds have been used to force radical
agendas, like promoting boys in girls’ sports and pushing divisive gender and racial
ideologies. With block grants, states can reject these mandates and focus on real education
over propaganda.
3. Protecting Patriotism in Curriculum: Schools are pressured to teach books that undermine
American values and ignore the truth about American history. By removing federal
overreach, states can make sure students learn a patriotic curriculum that respects our
country and honors our shared heritage.
4. Stopping Illegal Immigration’s Impact on Schools: Open border policies flood schools with
unregulated demands, stretching resources meant for American kids. States, free from
federal overreach, could manage these impacts in ways that protect classrooms and prioritize
their communities.
5. Blocking Foreign Influence in Our Schools: Federal policies tie funding to outside agendas,
allowing China and other adversaries to infiltrate our education system. Without federal
strings, states could reject foreign interference and ensure schools promote only American
values.
As we prepare for important and impactful changes to public education policy in the coming
months, the Oklahoma State Department of Education will be directing agency resources to ensure
the above priorities are championed and that Oklahoma schools are equipped to smoothly adapt
while maintaining the highest standards of education for our students.