The new academic standards in Oklahoma have sparked controversy by including instructions for students to “identify discrepancies in 2020 election results,” perpetuating a false narrative that originated from President Trump and his supporters. Championed by Oklahoma’s state superintendent of public instruction, Ryan Walters, these standards require high school students to analyze baseless claims about the 2020 election, such as ballot counting processes and mail-in voting security risks.

Despite objections and attempts to block the standards by some members of the Republican-controlled legislature, the content of the standards has received little pushback. Critics argue that the standards fail to promote critical thinking by presenting these election claims as accepted truths, rather than encouraging students to question and inquire. Concerns have been raised about the potential impact of teaching false narratives on public confidence in the electoral system.

The rushed process to approve these standards, which sidelined educators’ input, has further fueled criticism. Walters collaborated with conservative figures like Kevin Roberts and Dennis Prager to shape the standards, disregarding months of work by educators. The controversy surrounding the standards has highlighted a disconnect between state leadership and Oklahoma educators, with concerns raised about external influences dictating educational content.

While the standards are scheduled to be implemented in the upcoming school year, a lawsuit filed by a former GOP Oklahoma attorney general may delay their enforcement. However, the lawsuit primarily targets the approval process rather than the content of the standards. This episode underscores the ongoing debate over how educational standards should be developed and the importance of promoting critical thinking in students.