Zero Hour with James Poulos Episode 98: How Teachers' Unions Are Protecting Predators, Not Students | Ryan Walters Release Date: May 18, 2025

In Episode 98 of Zero Hour, host James Poulos engages in a compelling conversation with Ryan Walters, Oklahoma State Superintendent, delving deep into the challenges facing the American education system. Walters, often hailed as Oklahoma's foremost culture warrior, discusses his proactive measures to combat what he terms "woke indoctrination" and liberal agendas within schools. This episode offers a critical examination of the intersection between education, politics, and societal values.

Restoring Judeo-Christian Values in Education

Ryan Walters opens the discussion by addressing a core initiative in Oklahoma: reintegrating the Bible into the classroom. He argues that since the 1960s, there has been a concerted effort by left-leaning factions to secularize education, removing prayer and religious texts from schools. Walters believes that this secularization has contributed to societal issues such as teenage drug use and suicide.

Ryan Walters [01:14]: "We're putting the Bible, the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence back in every classroom... our kids have to know our history."

He emphasizes that understanding the Bible is crucial for comprehending American history and Western civilization. Walters details how the curriculum now includes comprehensive studies of the Bible's influence on key historical events and figures, from the Pilgrims to Martin Luther King Jr.

Ryan Walters [02:39]: "We start with the Pilgrims, explaining why they came here... walking through mentions in presidential speeches... emphasizing the role the Bible has played."

The Hypocrisy of Inclusivity Claims

Poulos and Walters discuss the apparent hypocrisy within educational inclusivity practices. Walters points out that while some advocate for inclusivity of various sexual orientations and identities, there's resistance to including fundamental religious texts.

Ryan Walters [50:06]: "Inclusivity... you want genderqueer, flamer in the classroom. But they didn't want the Bible... showing their hypocrisy."

He highlights cases where administrators have attempted to exclude the Bible while promoting other inclusive materials, revealing a selective approach to inclusivity that undermines genuine educational values.

Challenges Posed by Illegal Immigration in Schools

A significant portion of the conversation centers around the impact of illegal immigration on Oklahoma's education system. Walters outlines the financial burden, citing an estimated cost of $474 million under the previous administration.

Ryan Walters [45:45]: "We estimated the cost at $474 million under Joe Biden... we need transparency for taxpayers to understand how much this has cost them to educate these students."

He discusses the logistical challenges, such as sudden influxes of non-English speaking students, which strain resources and disrupt existing educational frameworks. Walters advocates for stricter enrollment verification processes to ensure that public funds are allocated appropriately.

Ryan Walters [48:01]: "We are working on a rule that requires parents to provide ID and birth certificates when enrolling their children... ensuring we're not welcoming more illegal immigrants."

Combatting Predatory Practices within Education

Walters does not shy away from addressing misconduct within the education system, specifically the role of teachers' unions in protecting predators. He recounts instances where teachers have engaged in inappropriate behavior with students, often escaping accountability by resigning and moving to other districts.

Ryan Walters [52:48]: "We've pulled over 100 teacher certificates for sending sexually explicit texts or committing sex acts with kids... protecting young people is paramount."

He criticizes teachers' unions for hindering swift action against such misconduct, advocating for immediate removal and legal action against perpetrators to ensure student safety.

Launching Religious Charter Schools and Legal Battles

A pivotal topic is Oklahoma's initiative to establish the first religious charter school in the country. This move has sparked legal challenges, with the state's Attorney General taking the matter to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Ryan Walters [54:09]: "The charter school met every qualification... we're going to the Supreme Court to protect religious liberty and provide school choice."

Walters expresses confidence in prevailing in the Supreme Court, citing the appointment of originalist justices who are sympathetic to their cause. A victory, he believes, would pave the way for similar institutions nationwide, offering parents more educational choices aligned with their values.

Vision for an Ideal American Education System

Concluding the discussion, Walters outlines his vision for transforming the U.S. education system. Central to his plan is the elimination of teachers' unions, abolition of the federal Department of Education, and a robust school choice framework encompassing public, private, and homeschooling options.

Ryan Walters [56:32]: "Abolish the Department of Education... empower parents with school choice and homeschooling options... free market pressures will drive public schools to improve."

He envisions a competitive educational landscape where public schools are incentivized to elevate their standards to retain students, thereby fostering an environment of excellence and accountability.

Looking Ahead: Higher Education Reforms

Walters also touches upon the necessity of revolutionizing higher education. He criticizes the current state of universities for perpetuating anti-American and ideological agendas, advocating for reforms that align higher education with national values and practical skill development.

Ryan Walters [58:37]: "Higher ed is so fundamentally broken... they force an ideology on students instead of equipping them with real-world skills."

Conclusion

Episode 98 of Zero Hour presents a fervent critique of the current educational landscape, highlighting the struggles between preserving traditional values and addressing modern societal challenges. Ryan Walters' initiatives in Oklahoma serve as a case study for nationwide educational reform, advocating for a return to foundational principles and increased parental control over education. The conversation underscores the broader cultural and political battles shaping America's future, particularly within its educational institutions.

Notable Quotes:

• James Poulos [01:30]: "Oklahoma is probably the reddest state in the union, which would by mathematical equation, make you the biggest culture warrior in the entire United States."

• Ryan Walters [03:34]: "You start with going back... if you don't know how the west, how we got here, you don't know what separated the west from some others."

• Ryan Walters [15:16]: "President Trump has shown... he can be very blunt, direct, and do those things."

• Ryan Walters [20:51]: "Teachers unions are going to be mad at us... they're upset because we're putting power back in the hands of the people."

• Ryan Walters [41:34]: "You're unique. You're uniquely created. There's nobody like you... things can always get better."

This episode serves as a rallying call for educators, parents, and policymakers to re-examine the role of education in shaping future generations and uphold the values that underpin American society.