Oklahoma to Require “Loyalty Test” for Out-of-State Teachers in Bid to Combat ‘Liberal Indoctrination’. In a move stirring both national controversy and local debate, the state of Oklahoma is preparing to implement a new requirement for teachers moving from states like New York and California: a “loyalty test” designed to screen for what state officials are calling “radical leftist ideology.” The initiative, spearheaded by State Superintendent Ryan Walters, is being framed as a bold effort to ensure that public school classrooms are not infiltrated by what he describes as “liberal indoctrination.”
According to Walters, the exam will be administered by PragerU, a conservative media organization known for producing politically charged educational content. The test is set to include questions on the U.S. Constitution, American history, and foundational principles of government, with an emphasis on what officials describe as a “pro-America” worldview. Walters claims the test is necessary to preserve Oklahoma’s traditional values and prevent the influence of educators who may bring in what he terms “destructive progressive ideologies” from more liberal states.
“We will not allow radical leftists to infiltrate our classrooms and poison the minds of our children,” Walters said during a press conference. “This test ensures teachers are aligned with the principles of the Constitution, the rule of law, and the values that built this country.”
However, the move has drawn immediate and sharp criticism from educators, civil liberties groups, and Democratic lawmakers across the state and country. The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) condemned the policy, calling it an ideological litmus test that undermines professional standards in education.
“This is nothing more than a MAGA loyalty test disguised as a civics assessment,” said an AFT spokesperson. “It’s unconstitutional, divisive, and likely to deepen the state’s already severe teacher shortage.”
Oklahoma Democrats also expressed concern that the loyalty test is part of a broader political agenda to impose partisan ideology on public education and stifle critical thinking. Several lawmakers warned that the policy will discourage highly qualified, experienced educators from relocating to Oklahoma, further exacerbating recruitment challenges in both urban and rural school districts.
Educators from New York and California—two states frequently targeted by Oklahoma conservatives for their progressive policies—have voiced outrage, saying the policy implies that teachers from blue states are inherently untrustworthy or un-American.
Meanwhile, supporters of the initiative argue that the loyalty test is a step toward restoring what they view as patriotism and moral clarity in public education. Conservative groups, including local school board activists and parent organizations aligned with PragerU, have praised the measure as a “much-needed defense against liberal bias in classrooms.”
PragerU itself, which has been gaining influence in several conservative-led states by distributing alternative educational materials, welcomed the partnership. The group issued a statement saying it was “honored to assist in upholding the values of liberty, limited government, and personal responsibility in Oklahoma’s education system.”
Despite the uproar, Walters and his allies are moving quickly. The loyalty test is expected to be rolled out statewide within the next few months, and may eventually apply to all incoming educators regardless of state of origin. A pilot version of the exam is already under review by the State Department of Education, and training materials are being developed to ensure school districts understand how to implement the requirement.
As the policy garners national media attention, legal experts are already warning that it may face constitutional challenges, particularly related to First Amendment protections and employment discrimination. Civil liberties organizations have hinted at the possibility of lawsuits if the policy is enacted without legislative or judicial oversight.
At a time when states across the country are grappling with the politicization of education, Oklahoma’s new requirement has become yet another flashpoint in the broader culture war over public schools. For now, the debate continues to escalate, with questions mounting over how far states can—and should—go in policing the political beliefs of their educators.