‘Radical leftist teachers’ unions have dominated classrooms for far too long, and we are taking them back,’ the state superintendent said.
Oklahoma has struck a deal with the conservative group Turning Point USA to open chapters in all state high schools, Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters announced on Sept. 23.
“I am very excited to announce a partnership with @TPUSA to establish chapters in ALL Oklahoma high schools,” Walters wrote in a post on X. “Radical leftist teachers’ unions have dominated classrooms for far too long, and we are taking them back.”
The decision comes after Charlie Kirk, who founded the group in 2012, was assassinated on Sept. 10 at Utah Valley University. His wife, Erika Kirk, will take over the organization.
“We have seen the outpouring from parents, teachers and students that want to be engaged in a meaningful work going on at Turning Point,” Walters said in a video attached to the post on X. “They want their young people to be engaged in a process that understands free speech, open engagement, dialogue about American greatness, a dialogue around American values.”
Walters said the move is a response to “radical leftists with the teachers’ union” who he says “dominate classrooms and push woke indoctrination on our kids.”
He said these individuals “fight parents’ rights, push parents out of the classroom, and lie to … kids about American history.”
“[Oklahoma is] going to continue to … make sure that our kids understand American greatness, engage in civic dialog and have that open discussion,” Walters said. “We will continue to do all that we can to make sure Oklahoma students have the best education possible.”
Oklahoma is one of the most Republican states in the nation; the GOP holds 81 of 101 seats in the state House and 40 of 48 seats in the state Senate. President Donald Trump carried the state by more than 34 percentage points in 2024.
Historically, Turning Point USA has focused on engagement with students at the college level, and this would be the group’s largest expansion into the high school sphere.
By Joseph Lord
