Oklahoma Schools Face Pushback on Bible Use

As Oklahoma students return to school, a statewide mandate requiring the incorporation of Bible lessons in classrooms has sparked debate among educators and lawmakers. Despite the directive from the state’s education chief, many districts, including Bixby, have not implemented the requirement, raising questions about its practicality. Bixby Superintendent Rob Miller expressed skepticism, arguing that a Bible has no place in subjects like math or chemistry, suggesting that its inclusion could lead to indoctrination rather than education. The mandate, which applies to public school students in grades five through twelve, has been met with mixed reactions. State education department spokesperson Dan Isett emphasized that compliance is mandatory, warning that superintendents have various tools to address non-compliance. Critics of the mandate, including State Rep. Mark McBride, have voiced concerns over the education department's handling of funding and legislative directives, indicating a growing frustration among Republican lawmakers. The controversy extends beyond the Bible mandate, as it reflects a broader trend among conservative-led states to influence public school curricula. Recent efforts have included mandates to display the Ten Commandments and pressure to limit discussions on race, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Some parents and educators, like Sullivan, question whether the Bible should be taught in schools, suggesting that such discussions are more appropriate for home and church settings rather than the classroom.