Oklahoma Schools Now Allow Classroom Bibles Amid Policy Changes
- Oklahoma's public schools are required to stock Bibles in classrooms and include biblical teachings in the curriculum.
- The state's request for $6 million to purchase Bibles faced criticism due to restrictive guidelines favoring specific versions.
- The mandate has sparked controversy over the separation of church and state and could lead to significant legal challenges.
In October 2023, Oklahoma's public schools faced a significant policy change as the state mandated that classrooms must stock Bibles. This directive, announced by Superintendent Ryan Walters, aimed to incorporate biblical teachings into the curriculum, emphasizing the historical significance of the Bible and the Ten Commandments. Critics quickly condemned the move, arguing it blurred the lines between church and state and imposed religious instruction in public education. The controversy intensified when the state sought $6 million to purchase 55,000 Bibles, with restrictive guidelines that favored specific versions, notably those endorsed by former President Donald Trump. This led to concerns about the financial implications for taxpayers and the potential for legal challenges. Despite the backlash, Walters expressed confidence in the constitutionality of the mandate, citing the Supreme Court's interpretation of religious freedom and the absence of explicit separation of church and state in foundational U.S. documents.