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Oklahoma Students Mandated To Watch Video Announcing New Religious Department
Walters has not commented on the lawsuits.
The state Board of Education has not taken any action on the Bible mandate.
Walters was appointed by Gov. Kevin Stitt in January, a former chief of staff to then-U.S. Sen. James Lankford.
Lankford, a Republican, was among those who voted against certifying the 2020 presidential election results, which Trump has falsely claimed was stolen from him.
, the announcement of a new Department of Religious Freedom and Patriotism within the state Department of Education. This move has sparked controversy and backlash from various stakeholders.
The email sent by the education superintendent, Ryan Walters, requires all public schools in Oklahoma to show a video announcement of the new department to all enrolled students. The video includes a message from Walters highlighting the importance of religious liberty and patriotism, which he claims have been under attack by “woke teachers unions.” Walters also leads a prayer for the leaders of the United States, including a specific mention of former President Donald Trump.
Despite the mandate, some of the state’s largest school districts, such as Edmond and Bixby, have stated that they do not plan to show the video to their students. The Tulsa district, the largest in the state, did not immediately respond to requests for comment, while the Oklahoma City district, the second largest, indicated that they would discuss the email internally.
The announcement of the new department has faced legal challenges, with the office of the state Attorney General Gentner Drummond stating that Walters does not have the authority to issue such mandates. This follows previous lawsuits against Walters for his June mandate that schools incorporate the Bible into lesson plans for students in grades 5 through 12. Several school districts have openly defied this mandate, citing concerns about violating parents’ rights and individual free-exercise rights.
One of the lawsuits also raised questions about the procurement process for the Bibles, noting that the initial request for proposal appeared to favor Bibles endorsed by President-elect Trump, which were priced significantly higher than other options. The request was later amended at the request of state purchasing officials.
Despite the controversy and legal challenges, Walters has not commented on the lawsuits, and the state Board of Education has not taken any action on the Bible mandate. Walters, who was appointed by Gov. Kevin Stitt in January, has a background as the former chief of staff to former U.S. Sen. James Lankford, a Republican who voted against certifying the 2020 presidential election results.
Overall, the establishment of the Department of Religious Freedom and Patriotism has raised concerns about the separation of church and state, as well as the autonomy of local school districts in making educational decisions. The ongoing legal battles and public backlash indicate that this issue is far from resolved and will continue to be a point of contention in Oklahoma’s education system. In this critical moment, our mission to provide free, fair news is more important than ever. We cannot do it without your support. Whether you choose to contribute once or become a regular donor, we are grateful for your role in keeping our journalism accessible to all.
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Title: The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
In today’s digital age, social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. With platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok dominating our online interactions, it’s no surprise that social media has a significant impact on our mental health. While social media can provide a sense of connection and community, it can also have detrimental effects on our mental well-being.
One of the main ways in which social media affects mental health is through comparison. When we scroll through our feeds and see curated images of other people’s lives, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy, jealousy, and low self-esteem. Studies have shown that excessive social media use is linked to increased feelings of depression and anxiety.
Social media also plays a role in the spread of misinformation and fake news, which can have a negative impact on mental health. Constant exposure to negative or false information can lead to feelings of fear, uncertainty, and helplessness. The echo chambers created by social media algorithms can also exacerbate polarisation and division, further contributing to stress and anxiety.
Another way in which social media affects mental health is through the phenomenon of “doomscrolling.” This refers to the habit of endlessly scrolling through news feeds in search of negative or distressing information. Constant exposure to bad news can lead to feelings of overwhelm, helplessness, and despair.
On the other hand, social media can be a source of support and connection for those who use it mindfully. Platforms like Facebook groups and online communities can provide a sense of belonging and camaraderie, especially for those who may feel isolated or alone. Social media can also be a valuable tool for raising awareness about mental health issues and providing resources for those in need.
To mitigate the negative impact of social media on mental health, it’s important to establish healthy boundaries and practices. Limiting screen time, curating your feed to follow accounts that promote positivity and well-being, and taking regular breaks from social media can all help to protect your mental health. It’s also important to be mindful of your own emotional responses to social media and seek support if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
In conclusion, while social media can have both positive and negative effects on mental health, it’s essential to approach it with awareness and intention. By being mindful of how social media affects our mental well-being and taking steps to protect ourselves, we can use these platforms in a way that enriches our lives rather than detracts from them.
