In the wake of a controversy where a high school student was told to remove an American flag from his truck, Oklahoma State School Superintendent Ryan Walters has issued new policies aimed at promoting patriotism in schools. The incident at Edmond North High School, which involved senior Caleb Horst being instructed by school officials to take down the flag, has led Walters to enforce guidelines that will protect students’ rights to display the flag.
Walters appeared on “Fox & Friends Weekend” to denounce the school’s actions, calling them “anti-Americanism.” He announced that under the new state guidelines, students would be encouraged to display the American flag, and no student would face punishment for expressing their patriotism. “We’re not going to tolerate this anti-Americanism,” Walters stated, emphasizing that Oklahoma schools must now actively promote a love for the country and its values.
The policy at Edmond North High School, which prohibits flags on campus for safety reasons, was intended to prevent distractions and ensure a safe environment. However, Walters argued that the policy was being misapplied and used to suppress patriotic displays. In response, he has directed all schools in the state to develop clear policies that allow students to fly the flag and to submit reports showing compliance with these new rules.
The new guidelines also require that students recite the Pledge of Allegiance at least once a week, reinforcing the state’s commitment to fostering patriotism in education. Walters’s swift action signals a broader effort to counter leftist influences in schools and ensure that Oklahoma students can proudly and freely express their patriotism.
