We have some breaking news coming out of Oklahoma. The state’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, Ryan Walters, has just issued an order that mandates schools in Oklahoma to teach the Bible. This comes after a recent ruling by the state Supreme Court against a publicly funded religious charter school.
According to the memo sent by Superintendent Walters to all school districts, the Bible is to be incorporated into the curriculum for grades five through 12. In addition, every classroom must have a copy of the Bible. The memo states that the Bible and the Ten Commandments should be referenced in order to highlight their significant influence on the nation’s founders and the principles of the Constitution. The memo also emphasizes that immediate and strict compliance is expected from all schools.
Superintendent Walters addressed the issue at a state Board of Education meeting, expressing the importance of teaching from the Bible to ensure that every student in Oklahoma has a historical understanding of it. However, not everyone is pleased with this new policy. Americans United for Separation of Church and State, a nonprofit civil liberties group, released a statement claiming that this Bible policy infringes on the religious freedom of public school children and their families.
Rachel Laser, the CEO of the organization, described Superintendent Walters’ actions as textbook Christian Nationalism, accusing him of using his public office to impose his religious beliefs on others’ children. While the organization is prepared to intervene, their statement didn’t explicitly mention legal action. It’s worth noting that the group has previously sued to block a similar law in Louisiana that required the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools.
Superintendent Walters has been a vocal proponent of incorporating Christian beliefs and teachings into state education policy ever since taking office in January 2023. He has been pushing for measures such as allowing time for prayer in schools and recognizing a “Creator” and the existence of good and evil in the state Education Department’s “foundational values.” However, these actions have faced criticism as well. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, a Republican, recently approved a package of regulations proposed by Walters, but he has also issued an executive order to counter some of the measures.
This development in Oklahoma has sparked a nationwide conversation about the role of religion in public schools. As this story continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how it will impact education in Oklahoma, as well as the wider debate surrounding the separation of church and state.
Stay tuned for more updates on this breaking story, on Fan Reviews News.
