Schools in Oklahoma are tearing themselves apart over a new directive ordering teachers to incorporate the Bible into their lessons.
In June, Republican State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters decreed that every classroom from grade five through 12 must contain a copy of the holy book.
Walters stated the Bible is ‘an indispensable historical and cultural touchstone,’ which is necessary to ‘properly contextualize the foundation of our nation’.
However, at least four districts have pushed back on the orders, stating they will not be complying.
‘As a public school system, it is crucial that we maintain neutrality and objectivity in our curriculum and instructional practices,’ Owasso Public Schools Superintendent Margaret Coates said.
Schools in Oklahoma are tearing themselves apart over a new directive from state superintendent Ryan Walters, who has ordered teachers to incorporate the Bible into lessons and keep a copy of the book in every classroom
She added that Oklahoma law requires adoption of subject matter standards on a six-year cycle with the current set not up for renewal until 2025.
‘The curriculum currently used by Owasso Public Schools is fully aligned with the approved Oklahoma Academic Standards and we will continue to adhere to the curriculum and instructional materials previously adopted by the district,’ she said.
‘The Oklahoma Attorney General has stated that the state superintendent does not have legal authority to decide the content of curriculum and that Oklahoma law clearly established local control of curriculum,’ Stillwater Superintendent Uwe Gordon said.
He confirmed his district will not be purchasing class copies of Bibles or any other religious text.
‘SPS prides itself on being respectful of the myriad religions, cultures, traditions, worldviews, and belief systems inherent in our community,’ he said.
‘The district also holds itself to adherence with the state’s established academic standards and the laws of the land.’
Bixby Public Schools Superintendent Rob Miller and Moore Public Schools Public Superintendent Robert Romines both said they understand the importance of teaching the role of religion in historical and cultural contexts.
However, both districts have declined to adopt the new curriculum.
Owasso Public Schools Superintendent Margaret Coates has rejected the directive stating it is ‘is crucial that we maintain neutrality and objectivity’
Stillwater Superintendent Uwe Gordon, like several other education bosses, questioned the legality of bringing in the new measures before the official deadline for reviewing Oklahoma’s curriculum
‘Our goal is to continue providing a respectful environment that acknowledges various perspectives while adhering to the set and approved Oklahoma educational standards,’ Romines said.
The Oklahoma Education Association, a group of education professionals, also hit back at the directive, stating it infringes on freedom of religion principles.
The head of the Oklahoma chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations slammed the directive as a clear violation of the Constitution’s Establishment Clause, which prohibits the government from ‘establishing’ a religion.
The current guidelines on religious education in Oklahoma schools state that it should be taught in relation to its historical role and world cultures.
Teachers should educate students on the, ‘origins, major beliefs, spread and lasting impact of the world’s major religions and philosophies, including Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Confucianism, and Sikhism’, per the 2019 guidelines.
Walters new edict requires educators to incorporate the Bible by examining its ‘historical, literary and secular benefits’.
The holy book is ‘ not to be used for religious purposes such as preaching, proselytizing or indoctrination’ and ‘maintaining neutrality and objectivity is crucial’.
The directive states all Oklahoma schools will have to use the Bible, which includes the Ten Commandments, as an instructional support into the curriculum for grade levels 5 through 12
But Walters has insisted he will ‘use every means’ to make sure his educators follow the edict
Oklahoma law already explicitly allows Bibles in the classroom and lets teachers use them in instruction, said Phil Bacharach, a spokesman for state Attorney General Gentner Drummond.
But Walters has doubled down on his commitment, insinuating there could be consequences for those who do not.
‘Some Oklahoma educators have indicated they won’t follow the law and Oklahoma standards, so let me be clear: they will comply, and I will use every means to make sure of it,’ he told ABC News.
