The Bible In School Curriculums? What is Oklahoma Doing?

Ryan Walters, Oklahoma’s State Superintendent, announced that all government schools in the state will be mandated to incorporate text from the Bible into their curriculums.

The Biblical text will serve “as an instructional support.” The directive has stirred several complaints around the constitutionality of the requirement and is most likely to face a challenge in the courts.

Walters called the Bible “one of the most foundational documents used for the Constitution and the birth of our country,” whilst speaking at a meeting of Oklahoma’s Board of Education.

“The Bible is a necessary historical document to teach our kids about the history of this country, to have a complete understanding of Western civilization, to have an understanding of the basis of our legal system,” Walters said.

“The Bible is an indispensable historical and cultural touchstone. Without basic knowledge of it, Oklahoma students are unable to properly contextualize the foundation of our nation which is why Oklahoma educational standards provide for its instruction.”

Speaking with Chris Cuomo on News Nation, Walters explained the state’s position on how this decision isn’t directed at “indoctrinating” children to Christianity, but to use it for the sake of having a “balanced curriculum;”

Americans United for Separation of Church and State expressed their opposition to the move stating “public schools are not Sunday schools…this is textbook Christian nationalism.”

The directive was “effective immediately” upon the announcement being made.

Oklahoma state law allows for Bibles, as well as other religious texts, to be kept in classrooms for use as instructional materials.

“Every teacher, every classroom in the state will have a Bible in the classroom and will be teaching from the Bible in the classroom,” Walters stated.

The rule applies to grade 5 through 12 government classrooms.

Speaking to CNN, the Interfaith Alliance said, “True religious freedom means ensuring that no one religious group is allowed to impose their viewpoint on all Americans.”

“The vast majority of people of faith in this country reject these dangerous, intimidating efforts to force a Christian nationalist agenda into our schools, our courts, and our government.”

Last week, Oklahoma’s Governor signed legislation that every government school in the state is now required to display the Bible’s ten commandments.

This law has also been met with threats of constitutional lawsuits.

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