Oklahoma Schools Push for Trump's Bibles Amid Controversy
- Ryan Walters has mandated the incorporation of the Bible into Oklahoma public school curricula.
- He has requested $6 million in taxpayer funds to purchase specific Bibles, raising concerns about favoritism and legality.
- The initiative has sparked bipartisan criticism and legal challenges regarding the separation of church and state.
In Oklahoma, State Superintendent Ryan Walters has mandated that all public schools incorporate the Bible into their curriculum, emphasizing the Ten Commandments. This directive, issued in June, has sparked controversy and legal challenges regarding the separation of church and state. Walters has requested $6 million to purchase Bibles for schools, specifically targeting the 'God Bless the USA' Bible, which is endorsed by Donald Trump. Critics argue that the specifications for the Bibles favor certain products, raising concerns about misuse of taxpayer funds. The situation has drawn bipartisan criticism, with former Attorney General Drew Edmondson questioning the legality of Walters' actions. Additionally, there have been issues regarding press access to State Board of Education meetings, leading to legal intervention to ensure transparency. Vendors have until October 14 to submit bids for the Bibles, amidst ongoing debates about the appropriateness of religious materials in public education.