Oklahoma has mandated that all public schools integrate the Bible and Ten Commandments into their curricula for grades 5-10, emphasizing their historical significance. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters issued a memo informing district superintendents about the requirement, aligning it with educational standards adopted in May 2019.
Walters emphasized the need for students to understand the foundational role of the Bible in American history, citing concerns over what he perceives as a lack of appreciation for this influence. He pointedly criticized what he described as efforts by the “radical left” to remove references to God and the Bible from educational settings, framing the inclusion of religious texts as essential to a comprehensive understanding of American heritage.
Under Walters’ directive, every classroom in Oklahoma will have a Bible available for instructional purposes. Teachers are tasked with integrating the Bible into lessons from a historical perspective, highlighting its impact on events such as the drafting of the Mayflower Compact and the Civil Rights Movement. For instance, Walters cited examples where historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr. drew inspiration from biblical narratives during pivotal moments in American history.
While Oklahoma’s move follows Louisiana’s recent legislation mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms by 2025, Walters stressed that Oklahoma is pioneering in requiring the active use of the Bible as an educational tool. He expressed pride in Oklahoma’s initiative, framing it as a commitment to American values and exceptionalism, which he believes will benefit both the state and the nation.
Despite anticipated objections from civil liberties groups and others concerned about the separation of church and state, Walters asserted that the Bible’s inclusion is strictly for educational purposes related to historical context. He argued that the Bible is an undeniable historical document, integral to understanding the development of American society and values.
Walters indicated that the State Department of Education may provide supplementary teaching materials to ensure consistency in implementing the new curriculum. He portrayed the inclusion of the Bible not only as an educational directive but also as a crucial step toward fostering a deeper grasp of core American values among students.
Walters’ memo concluded by reinforcing the educational and historical significance of incorporating the Bible into Oklahoma’s school curriculum. He underscored the state’s commitment to preserving and teaching the foundational aspects of American history, challenging critics to acknowledge the Bible’s role in shaping the nation’s identity and values.
The Oklahoma’s decision to require the teaching of the Bible in public schools reflects a deliberate effort to integrate religious history into the educational framework. Superintendent Ryan Walters has positioned this mandate as a means to ensure that students grasp the historical context and foundational values that have shaped American society, despite potential challenges and objections from those advocating for strict separation of church and state.
