The Oklahoma state superintendent, Ryan Walters, made an announcement directing all public schools in the state to include the teaching of the Bible, including the Ten Commandments, in their curriculum. Walters, who is a member of the Republican party, emphasized the importance of the Bible as a significant historical and cultural reference that should be integrated into education at specific grade levels.
This decision by Oklahoma follows a similar move by Louisiana, where public schools were required to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom. However, the Louisiana mandate faced legal challenges, and the same is expected for Oklahoma’s directive, as it blurs the lines between religious instruction and public education.
The introduction of religious texts like the Bible into public school teaching is part of a wider national trend aiming to shape laws and education based on conservative Christian values. Oklahoma had previously attempted to establish a religious charter school that would have used taxpayer funds to support an online Catholic school. Although the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled against this proposal, an appeal is likely.
Ryan Walters, a former history teacher and current state superintendent, has been at the center of various controversies surrounding education in Oklahoma. He has been vocal about his opposition to certain teachings, such as race and gender identity, and has actively fought against what he refers to as “woke ideology” in schools. Walters’ stance on these issues has positioned him as a prominent figure in conservative politics within the state.
The decision to incorporate the Bible into public school education is likely to spark debates over the separation of religion and state, as well as the extent to which religious beliefs should influence public education. As this issue gains national attention, it underscores the ongoing tension between different ideological perspectives on education and the role of religion in shaping public policy.