Ryan Walters supports eliminating U.S. Department of Education, move toward block grants
By Justin Allen Rose Published: Nov. 8, 2024 at 12:33 PM CST OKLAHOMA CITY (KSWO) - Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters sent a memo on Thursday, Nov. 7, detailing how he believes eliminating the U.S. Department of Education would improve public education.
“The federal government has hijacked our education system, using taxpayer dollars to impose harmful policies and control what is taught in our schools,” the memo started.
Within the memo, Walters listed five priorities he wants championed as, “.... we prepare for important and impactful changes to public education policy in the coming months....”
Championing Parental Rights
Ending Social Indoctrination in Classroom
Protecting Patriotism in Curriculum
Stopping Illegal Immigration’s Impact on Schools
Blocking Foreign Influence in Our Schools
Walters states the Oklahoma State Department of Education will be directing their resources to make sure the above priorities are supported to make sure the state’s schools can adapt to possible changes.
The state superintendent also mentioned how the federal government moving toward the use of more block grants could allow states to take back educational authority.
Block grants are federal government grants sent to local and state governments for board purposes. These types of grants allow for flexibility in use, allowing state governments to disperse funds with more ease with less federal auditing and rules on where and what the grant can be used for.
Critics of block grant use say less federal oversight could lead to misappropriation of funds by state and local officials.
Categorical grants in contrast have to be used for more specific purposes and the federal government will audit its use to ensure compliance.
https://sde.ok.gov/press-release/2024-11-07/regarding-elimination-us-department-education
Regarding the Elimination of U.S. Department of Education
Posted on November 07, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
View Official Press Release