Less than a month before the start of the school year in Oklahoma, the state schools superintendent, Ryan Walters, has issued guidance on how public schools can implement his controversial directive to teach the Bible in every classroom for grades five through 12. Walters argues that the Bible is foundational for education and Western civilization. Despite his mandate, at least eight large school districts have stated they will not alter their curriculum to include the Bible. Some districts, like Piedmont Public Schools and Jenks Public Schools, have emphasized that while they teach about the historical and cultural influence of religion, they do not teach specific religious doctrine or practices. The Center for Education Law has issued a memo calling Walters’ mandate invalid under state law. Walters, however, maintains that he has the authority to issue the directive and has vowed to use all means necessary to ensure compliance. This move is part of a broader trend in conservative-led states to integrate religious teachings into public school classrooms. Louisiana, for example, recently passed a law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom. Other states, such as Texas, have also proposed incorporating Bible teachings into school curriculum.
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Schools resist new Bible teaching order in Oklahoma
