Oklahoma teachers relocating from California and New York must now pass a PragerU-crafted “America First” test to gain certification—critics call it a partisan loyalty exam.
Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters has announced a new requirement: teachers moving to the state from California or New York must pass a *politically oriented “America First” certification test before receiving state teaching licensesThe GuardianPeople.comAP News. Developed in partnership with the conservative media group PragerU, the 34–50 question exam includes topics such as:
-
U.S. civics and constitutional knowledge
-
Gender ideology and biological differences
-
Freedom of religion
-
American exceptionalism
-
Controversial election narratives including questions on the 2020 electionThe GuardianTIMENews 9The Times of India
Walters defends the test as a necessary safeguard against “radical leftist ideology” infiltrating Oklahoma classroomsAP NewsThe GuardianTIME.
Widespread Backlash and Concerns
Unions and Educators
-
The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) decried the exam as a “MAGA loyalty test”, warning it will worsen the already serious teacher shortageAP NewsPeople.com.
-
The National Council for the Social Studies criticized it as politicizing education and undermining democratic principlesAP News.
Political and Legal Concerns
-
State Rep. John Waldron (D-Tulsa) called the policy both **illegal and absurd, suggesting it violates state law and discourages out-of-state educators from relocatingOklahoma VoiceAP News.
-
Megan Oftedal, a leader at Oklahoma’s teacher oversight agency, warned the initiative likely exceeds the legal authority of the State Department of EducationOklahoma Voice.
-
Legal experts are raising alarms around potential First Amendment violations, “compelled ideological conformity,” and federal non-discrimination protectionsWorld Socialist Web SiteAP News.
Broader Context
Some critics liken the policy to historical loyalty oaths, warning it sets a precedent for ideological vetting in public service—something once rejected by court rulings such as Wieman v. Updegraff (1952)Wikipedia.
State’s Justification and Political Implications
Supporters argue the test promotes patriotism, parental expectations, and resistance to liberal bias. Aligning with Oklahoma’s broader conservative education agenda, Walters has previously advocated for mandatory Bible teaching and adjustments to social studies standardsWikipediaKGOU.
While the state lags in teacher recruitment, offering incentives like $50,000 bonuses to attract talent, critics warn the test undermines that progress by discouraging qualified applicants