Oklahoma schools must now teach the Bible, a controversial move that has sparked immediate outrage and legal threats. This decision follows a recent court ruling against funding religious schools with taxpayer money. Critics argue it’s an unconstitutional push towards religious indoctrination and Christian nationalism.
Bible Mandate Sparks Controversy in Oklahoma Schools
Oklahoma’s top education official has ordered all state schools to incorporate the Bible into their curricula, igniting immediate backlash and legal threats. This directive follows a recent reprimand for attempting to fund a Catholic school with taxpayer money.
Bible to be Included in Grades 5-12
Republican Superintendent Ryan Walters has mandated that the Bible, including the Ten Commandments, be used as instructional support in grades 5 through 12. This move is part of an official notice emphasizing the Bible’s historical significance and influence on Western civilization.
New Classroom Requirement Announced
At a press conference, Walters declared that every Oklahoma classroom will have a Bible, and teachers will incorporate it into their lessons. He stressed that the Bible would be used to study history, ethics, and the foundations of the U.S. Constitution.
Compulsory Compliance Expected
The mandate requires immediate and strict adherence from all schools. Walters emphasized that Oklahoma students will learn about the Bible’s role in shaping Western civilization.
Political Reaction and Legal Implications
Walters defended the directive on social media, arguing that the Bible’s historical importance cannot be ignored. This controversial move came just days after the state’s highest court rejected the establishment of a publicly funded religious charter school.
Legal Battle Over Religious Schools
Last year, the approval of a taxpayer-supported online Catholic school by a state board led to a high-profile legal conflict. The debate centers on whether public funds can be used for religious education, with significant implications for the state’s education system.
Supreme Court Deems Mandate Unconstitutional
Oklahoma’s Supreme Court has declared the Bible mandate an unconstitutional infringement on First Amendment protections against government endorsement of religion. The court emphasized that public money cannot be used to support any religious system.
Legal Challenges from Advocacy Groups
Americans United for Separation of Church has threatened to sue Oklahoma again over the Bible requirement in schools. The group’s CEO, Rachel Laser, argued that public schools should not serve as religious institutions.
Criticism of Education Official
Rachel Laser criticized Superintendent Ryan Walters, stating he cannot distinguish between religious and public education. She condemned the Bible mandate as an unconstitutional attempt to indoctrinate students.
Warning of Christian Nationalism
Laser warned that the mandate represents “textbook Christian nationalism” and is part of a broader right-wing threat to public education. Her organization is also involved in a federal lawsuit in Louisiana challenging a similar requirement for the Ten Commandments in classrooms.
