Oklahoma's Classroom Bible Mandate: Only Two Approved Options

In Oklahoma, a significant controversy has arisen surrounding the state school superintendent, Ryan Walters, who proposed spending $6 million to purchase Bibles for every classroom. This initiative has drawn criticism due to the specific requirements outlined in the bid specifications, which appear to favor two particular Bibles endorsed by Donald Trump and Lee Greenwood. The mandated Bibles must be the King James Version, include various historical documents, and be bound in leather or leather-like material, effectively limiting the pool of potential bidders. Critics argue that these specifications may violate state law by excluding most bidders unnecessarily. Walters, who has a history of controversial statements and actions, has positioned this initiative as a means to ensure students understand the historical context of the Bible in American history. He has faced backlash from civil liberties groups, who view this move as an attempt to indoctrinate students. Despite the push for Bibles in classrooms, local school districts retain the authority to determine their curriculum, with some superintendents, like Bixby's Rob Miller, openly rejecting the mandate. The funding for this initiative is proposed to come from payroll savings, and Walters has been vocal about his support for integrating the Bible into educational settings. As the bidding process unfolds, the implications of this initiative on educational policy and religious freedom in Oklahoma remain to be seen, with bids due by October 14. This situation highlights the ongoing debate over the role of religion in public education and the potential legal ramifications of such mandates.