Turning Point USA’s Expansion in Oklahoma High Schools
Ryan Walters, the former Oklahoma superintendent, recently resigned to take on the role of CEO of the Teachers Freedom Alliance. In a recent interview, he expressed his commitment to establishing Turning Point USA (TPUSA) chapters in every high school across Oklahoma, stating that the initiative is already underway.
Walters critiqued teachers unions, claiming they have created chaos in the state by opposing reforms and parental rights while promoting radical ideologies. He characterized these unions as Marxist and argued they need to be dismantled. “What we’re doing is first getting teachers out of the teachers union, but then we’re creating an army of America First teachers who actually want to find joy in teaching core subjects—math, reading, history, and science,” he remarked. He continued to emphasize that history needs to reflect true American values, noting, “You know, Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, which forever changed the course of human events.” He expressed concern about how many classrooms today twist narratives, particularly regarding historical figures like Jefferson.
Reasons Behind TPUSA’s Presence in Oklahoma
Walters explained the rationale for positioning a TPUSA chapter in each high school. “Oklahoma students asked for it. Parents asked for it. Teachers asked for it,” he pointed out, highlighting the push back he sees from teachers unions. He labeled them as one of the most radical groups, claiming they suppress free speech and block access to American ideals in favor of promoting BLM and LGBTQ+ clubs.
Confronting Teachers Unions
In terms of his strategy against teachers unions, Walters asserted that the first action is encouraging teachers to leave their unions. “When teachers quit, they face targeting by the union,” he noted, adding that his organization provides liability insurance for those who decide to move away from union affiliation. He pointed out how districts pressure teachers to return to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training through union linkage.
Walters elaborated on his organization’s efforts to support teachers: “We provide full professional development focused on academics and American values. We also train them on how to confront these challenges. They get the legal support they need along with resources to be effective educators.” He emphasized that the aim is to retrain teachers on how to work with parents and communities to reintroduce American values in schools.
The Impact of His Resignation
When questioned whether his departure from the superintendency represented a win for the teachers union and Randi Weingarten, the leader of the United Federation of Teachers, Walters was assertive. “She’s scared to death that we’re going to destroy them nationally,” he said, referring to growing efforts across all 50 states. Walters also pointed out that Weingarten has repeatedly commented on him, suggesting she is aware of the challenge ahead.
He concluded by reaffirming Oklahoma’s stance as a model for the nation. “This should inspire others to stand up for their values and faith by aligning with Turning Point USA,” he said.
Fox News Digital reached out to the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association for their reactions, but no response was received immediately. In a separate interview, Walters mentioned that requests from schools have made the mission of establishing chapters more straightforward.
