Oklahoma State School Superintendent Ryan Walters has announced new policies promoting patriotism in the state’s schools after a high school student was told to remove an American flag from his truck by school officials. The incident occurred at Edmond North High School, where senior Caleb Horst was instructed to take down the flag due to a long-standing school policy that prohibits flags on campus for safety reasons.

Appearing on “Fox & Friends Weekend,” Walters condemned the decision and stated that no student in Oklahoma would be punished for displaying the American flag or expressing their patriotism. “We’re not going to tolerate this anti-Americanism,” Walters declared, emphasizing that the new state guidelines would encourage students to appreciate and understand the nation’s founding principles.

The controversy began when Horst was told by school officials to remove the flag from his truck as part of a policy designed to prevent disruptions and ensure safety on school grounds. Edmond Public Schools issued a statement clarifying that the policy was not an attack on patriotism, but rather a measure to avoid distractions and potential damage in the parking lot. The district noted that the American flag is prominently displayed at all of its schools and is honored daily through the Pledge of Allegiance and during athletic events.

Despite the school district’s explanation, the incident sparked outrage in the community, leading Walters to take swift action. In response, Walters announced that his department is developing guidelines to ensure that all Oklahoma schools allow students to display the American flag without fear of retribution. These guidelines will require schools to create clear policies supporting flag displays and mandate that students recite the Pledge of Allegiance at least once a week. Schools will also need to file reports to demonstrate compliance with these new regulations.

Walters criticized what he described as anti-American sentiments being pushed by the “Biden administration, teachers’ unions, and the radical left.” He vowed to make Oklahoma schools a bastion of patriotism, declaring that his administration will protect students’ rights to fly the flag and promote a deeper understanding of the nation’s history.

In addition to these new guidelines, Walters highlighted ongoing efforts to redevelop the state’s social studies standards to emphasize the American founding. He also mentioned a memo issued in June directing schools to incorporate the Bible and Ten Commandments into the curriculum for historical context, further aligning with Oklahoma’s push to foster patriotism in education.

“We’ve seen our schools become leftist indoctrination mills pushing hatred for our country. That’s not going to happen in Oklahoma,” Walters stated, underscoring his commitment to reversing this trend and promoting a love of country among Oklahoma students.