We asked readers about Ryan Walters' 'liberal indoctrination' claims. Here are their responses

Last week, we asked readers to share their thoughts about Ryan Walters' promise to remove "liberal indoctrination" from Oklahoma schools.

Over 176 comments were exchanged in the conversation on our Instagram page, including educators who emphasized they don't have time to "indoctrinate" as part of their teaching. Here are some of their responses:

"Claiming 'liberal indoctrination' a fear-mongering tactic used to illicit a heated response from a particular base. Much like claiming “fake news” when an individual chooses not to agree with a factual statement, it’s a binary phrase Walters is utilizing to shut down any kind of meaningful conversation regarding public education."

― Maddie Gregory, Oklahoma public schools 1998-2005

"I am concerned with the direction that Ryan Walters the Secretary of Education and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction is heading with his insistence that students in our public schools are being indoctrinated with liberal ideas. If I were a legislator, I would challenge him to provide evidence that this is as widespread as he implies. It appears to me that the ones guilty of indoctrination are those who without evidence insist that this spreading of liberal (Biden) ideas is rampant and widespread in public schools.

The challenge to education in Oklahoma is to transcend politics and to espouse policies that encourage learning that includes skills in mathematics and reading that are the basic languages of critical and analytical thinking. The United States Constitution guarantees us the right to be liberal or conservative or anything in between, and the First Amendment is the pivotal point that allows us to make those choices."

― Richard Rouillard, Oklahoma City

"How people choose to live or believe in their own home is their right (so long as we follow the laws of the land) and freedom. As educators I hope our schools remain neutral and encourage students to learn about all things and trust their gut on what to believe and do as they grow to become good human beings and self sufficient adults."

— Bonnie Turner, Midwest City

"No, indoctrination is not happening. Teachers are doing their best to present required curriculum in an engaging way. They are also dealing with unprecedented discipline issues due to lack of parenting, and COVID kids who do not know how to interact. Sprinkle in some abuse, lack of resources for hygiene or proper clothing, and assuredly there is no time for indoctrination. If you have something to say other than 'buzzwords' we will listen. Beyond that, for the love of all things holy, will you please hush?"

— Jennifer Elam, Norman

"There’s no way he even believes this himself. Has he been to Oklahoma? It has long been one of the most staunchly conservative states in the U.S. It’s a laughable claim he used to buy up power, visibility, a big salary on his climb up for more. Is it not obvious?"

— Randall Tilson, Brooklyn, New York

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Your Turn: Are Ryan Walters' claims of 'liberal indoctrination' viable?