Oklahoma to Require ‘Patriotism Test’ for Out-of-State Teachers in Controversial New Move
In a move that has ignited fierce debate nationwide, Oklahoma will soon require certain out-of-state teachers to pass what critics are calling a “MAGA loyalty test” before stepping into a classroom.
The new rule applies to educators relocating from two Democratic strongholds — California and New York — to work in Oklahoma public schools. The test, state officials say, is designed to screen for “radical leftist ideology” and ensure classrooms remain free of what they call liberal indoctrination.
“Protecting Oklahoma Kids” or Political Purge?
Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters announced the policy earlier this week, framing it as a critical measure to protect students from ideological influence.
“As long as I am superintendent, Oklahoma classrooms will be safeguarded from the radical leftist ideology fostered in places like California and New York,” Walters said in a statement.
He later doubled down during an interview with USA Today and in posts on X (formerly Twitter), writing:
“These reforms will reset our classrooms back to educating our children without liberal indoctrination. We’re proud to defend these standards, and we will continue to stand up for honest, pro-America education in every classroom.”
Walters confirmed the assessment will be administered by PragerU, a conservative nonprofit known for creating educational content from a right-leaning perspective.
Inside the Test: What Teachers Will Face
While state officials insist the exam focuses on civics and constitutional knowledge, critics argue its underlying purpose is political.
The Associated Press, which reportedly obtained a sample of the first five questions, revealed that applicants are asked to:
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List the first three words of the U.S. Constitution
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Explain why freedom of religion is important to America’s identity
Other questions resemble items from the U.S. naturalization test:
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What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?
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How many U.S. Senators are there?
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Why do some states have more Representatives than others?
Despite these seemingly neutral questions, educators and union leaders say the move sends a chilling message: political conformity is now a condition of employment.
Pushback From Educators and Lawmakers
The American Federation of Teachers blasted the requirement, with President Randi Weingarten calling it “a political loyalty oath dressed up as civics.”
“This MAGA loyalty test will be yet another turnoff for teachers in a state already struggling with a huge shortage,” Weingarten said.
Oklahoma Democratic Party Chairman John Waldron echoed those concerns, noting that if such a rule had existed when he relocated from Washington, D.C., in 1999, he would have questioned whether Oklahoma valued quality educators at all.
“Teachers are not rushing here from other states to teach,” Waldron said. “We’ve got an enormous teacher shortage, and it’s not like we have a giant supply of teachers coming in from blue states anyway.”
PragerU’s Role Raises Eyebrows
Assigning test administration to PragerU has added fuel to the controversy. The organization, frequently praised by conservatives and criticized by progressives, produces online videos that promote limited government, free-market economics, and traditional social values.
Critics argue that outsourcing this responsibility to a politically affiliated nonprofit risks further politicizing education, while supporters contend it ensures adherence to “American values” rather than progressive ideology.
Broader Culture War Flashpoint
The policy is the latest in a string of measures by conservative-led states seeking to reshape K–12 education around themes of patriotism and parental rights. In recent years, Oklahoma has passed laws restricting discussions on race, gender identity, and what it terms “critical race theory.”
Walters insists this is not about partisanship but about restoring “academic integrity.”
“We will not allow California’s woke curriculum to infect Oklahoma schools,” he said.
Still, opponents warn the state is courting lawsuits over First Amendment concerns — and exacerbating a teacher shortage crisis in the process.
What’s Next?
Walters did not provide an exact date for when the test will roll out, but indicated it would happen “soon.”
For now, educators from New York and California remain in limbo as they await details of a policy critics see as a political litmus test — and supporters view as a shield for students.
