Oklahoma to Require “MAGA Loyalty Test” for Teachers
One US state is introducing a controversial requirement for teachers applying from New York or California. Oklahoma will now demand these teachers pass a so-called “loyalty test” to prove they don’t carry “radical leftist ideology.”
PragerU to Administer the Exam
Ryan Walters, Oklahoma’s public schools superintendent, announced that PragerU—a conservative non-profit—will administer the test. Walters stated, “As long as I am superintendent, Oklahoma classrooms will be safeguarded from the radical leftist ideology fostered in places like California and New York.”
In an interview with USA Today, Walters added that the test will roll out soon. On X, he described it as a measure to educate children “without liberal indoctrination.” He wrote: “These reforms will reset our classrooms back to educating our children without liberal indoctrination. We’re proud to defend these standards and will continue to stand up for honest, pro-America education in every classroom.”
What the Test Includes
According to The Associated Press, the first five questions focus on basic constitutional knowledge. Applicants may be asked to:
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List the first three words of the US Constitution.
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Explain why freedom of religion is “important to America’s identity.”
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Identify the two parts of Congress.
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State the number of US Senators.
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Explain why some states have more Representatives than others.
The test clearly targets teachers coming from traditionally “blue” states.
Backlash and Criticism
The American Federation of Teachers’ President, Randi Weingarten, slammed the test, calling it a “MAGA loyalty test” that will further discourage teachers from joining Oklahoma schools amid a serious staffing shortage.
John Waldron, Oklahoma Democratic Party chairman, also criticised the policy. He explained that if he had faced such a test when moving from Washington DC in 1999, he would have thought Oklahoma “wasn’t serious about attracting quality teachers.” He added, “Teachers aren’t rushing here from other states to teach. We have an enormous teacher shortage, and it’s not like we have a giant supply of teachers coming in from blue states anyway.”
Implementation Timeline
The loyalty test is expected to be introduced soon. State officials claim it will help maintain what they call “pro-America” education standards in classrooms, while critics warn it could drive away qualified educators.
