Amid rising tension and increased threats to Jewish communities, the Oklahoma Department of Education (ODE) has issued new guidance for public schools to safeguard students from ‘woke, radicalized, terrorist-sympathizing rhetoric pushed by leftist educators.’ The memo outlines the need for historically grounded and balanced instruction on the history of Israel, emphasizing the importance of presenting historical facts with accuracy and intellectual integrity.
According to the memo, Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters stated, ‘Oklahoma kids will be taught facts, not indoctrination.’ The new standards require social studies courses to present Israel’s history, including the atrocities of the Holocaust and the current conflict with Iran, using primary sources and historical evidence, while guarding against antisemitic or politicized narratives.
This initiative follows the recent controversy in New York, where state standardized exams included materials that described Zionism as a ‘colonial’ movement and made misleading references to terrorism. The ODE cited New York as a ‘staunch reminder that there exists ideology and educational materials not only distort historical fact but risk promoting ideologies inconsistent with Oklahoma values.’
Additionally, the memo addresses the tragic events of October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched a brutal surprise attack on Israeli civilians, killing over 1,200 people and taking hundreds hostage. These events are described as ‘history in the making and highlight the urgent need for educators to present global conflicts with clarity, accuracy, and moral responsibility.’
The ODE also notes the broader context of increased tensions between Iran and Israel, as well as the United States’ military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites following President Donald Trump’s decision. Iran has vowed to retaliate, and on Monday, it launched missiles at the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. These developments are seen as contributing to the urgency of the state’s new educational standards.