Oklahoma Mandates Bible Teaching in Public Schools
In a controversial move, Oklahoma's State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Ryan Walters, has mandated that all public schools from fifth to twelfth grade incorporate the Bible and the Ten Commandments into their curricula. Walters emphasized that the Bible is a crucial historical document necessary for understanding American history, Western civilization, and the foundation of the legal system. This directive is expected to be followed with immediate and strict compliance.
Louisiana's Similar Legislation
Oklahoma's decision follows a similar move by Louisiana, where Governor Jeff Landry signed a law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in all public school classrooms. The law, known as HB 71, mandates that the Ten Commandments be prominently displayed in classrooms on posters or framed documents. Proponents argue that these religious texts are fundamental to the state and national government, while critics claim the law blurs the line between church and state.
Legal and Social Repercussions
The introduction of religious texts in public schools has sparked significant debate and legal challenges. Organizations like The Freedom From Religion Foundation and the American Civil Liberties Union have vowed to take legal action against these measures, arguing that they violate the First Amendment and Supreme Court jurisprudence. Despite these challenges, Walters and other proponents continue to advocate for the inclusion of the Bible in educational curricula, citing its historical and cultural importance.
- Ryan Walters, who has a background in teaching history, was appointed State Superintendent of Public Instruction by Governor Kevin Stitt in 2020. His tenure has been marked by controversy, particularly among civil rights groups and supporters of the separation of church and state.
- In Louisiana, a group of parents and civil rights organizations have already sued the state over the new law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments, claiming it violates both Supreme Court jurisprudence and the First Amendment.
- The Oklahoma Supreme Court recently blocked an attempt to establish the country's first publicly funded religious charter school, San Isidoro de Sevilla Virtual Catholic School. The court ruled that a charter school must be non-sectarian, a decision that Walters has vowed to fight.
