Oklahoma teachers who refuse to teach students about the Bible could endanger losing their teaching licenses, according to Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters.
Superintendent Walters Mandates Oklahoma Schools to Teach the Bible
Walters released a memo on Thursday directing all Oklahoma schools to educate students in grades five through 12 on the Bible's influence on the nation's founding and key American historical figures. Additionally, schools must have a Bible available in every classroom.
Walters stated that teachers who refuse to comply with the Bible instruction mandate could face consequences similar to those who fail to teach about the Civil War, potentially resulting in the revocation of their teaching licenses.
This process requires approval by the Oklahoma State Board of Education, which Walters chairs.
"Any teacher who knowingly and willfully disobeys the law and our standards will face repercussions," Walters affirmed. "Teachers are obligated to adhere to Oklahoma Academic Standards, which will certainly be part of them."
Walters' actions to incorporate Bible instruction into school curricula have flared instant opinions from civil liberties and religious groups. Both the Jewish Federation of Tulsa and the Oklahoma chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations released declarations blaming Walters for improperly encouraging Christianity in schools.
The group Americans United for Separation of Church and State also criticized Walters' actions, declaring that he was misusing his public office to dictate his religious beliefs on students. They stated that they are assessing their legal options.
According to Walters, the Oklahoma Department of Education has been developing guidelines on using the Bible in classrooms for nine months. He emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting that the Bible is facing challenges and needs protection.
Responding to concerns, a spokesperson from the Oklahoma Attorney General's office clarified that existing law already permits teachers to use Bibles in classroom instruction and that there is no legal basis for the Superintendent's memo mandating specific content.
Walters expressed confidence in the legality of his directive, citing the Supreme Court justices appointed by former President Donald Trump as supportive of such state-level actions. He suggested that a potential second term for Trump would further advance their agenda.
Bible Integration in Oklahoma Classrooms Defies Supreme Court Rulings
Oklahoma's Department of Education mandated that every teacher in the state must keep a Bible in their classroom and incorporate it into their teaching, defying U.S. Supreme Court rulings that bar state endorsement of religion.
Ryan Walters, Oklahoma's superintendent of public instruction, announced the directive during Thursday's Department of Education board meeting, emphasizing a focus on the Ten Commandments. He stated, "Every teacher and classroom across Oklahoma will have a Bible, ensuring every student gains this historical understanding."
Walters described the Bible, sacred in Judaism and Christianity, as a cornerstone of Western civilization, noting its influence on figures like Martin Luther King, Jr. The Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution prohibits state promotion of specific religions, a principle reinforced by Oklahoma's constitution, which mandates that public schools remain secular and avoid favoring any religious group.
Walters' initiative faced criticism from Oklahoma's main teachers' union, asserting it violates state law allowing school districts to determine classroom materials and warning against religious indoctrination in public education.
