Oklahoma Schools Navigate Teaching Bible in the Classroom
In a controversial move earlier this summer, Oklahoma’s state school superintendent, Ryan Walters, mandated that schools must supply Bibles to classrooms and require educators to teach from them. However, as the school year commenced, several districts across the state pushed back against this directive, asserting their autonomy in making educational decisions.
Resistance from Local School Districts
Despite Superintendent Walters’ order, some local school districts in Oklahoma have chosen to assert their independence in determining their curriculum. Jason Perez, superintendent at Deer Creek Public Schools near Oklahoma City, emphasized that state law grants districts the authority to decide on instructional materials and curricula. He stated, “We can’t be told what we’re supposed to use. We can make that decision, and that’s really up to our local school board to make that decision.”
Similarly, Superintendent Chuck McCauley of Bartlesville Public Schools, located about 45 minutes from Tulsa, expressed that his district already incorporates references to the Bible in certain history classes. He viewed the directive as a non-issue, citing legal backing for the district’s existing practices. McCauley affirmed, “To me, the law clearly says what we’re doing is right, so that’s what we’re going to continue to do.”
StateImpact’s Survey Findings
A survey conducted by StateImpact among Oklahoma’s 540 school superintendents in August revealed that the majority of respondents were not planning to implement changes to their curriculum to include Bible teachings. Only two superintendents indicated a willingness to adjust their instruction, while approximately 75% stated that they would not be supplying physical Bibles, Ten Commandments, or other documents as outlined in Walters’ directive.
Anne Nelson, a research scholar at Columbia University and author of “Shadow Network,” offered insights into the broader implications of the situation in Oklahoma. She suggested that the state’s initiatives could serve as a model for national efforts to promote certain policies, including the integration of religious teachings in public education. Nelson noted similar developments in other states, such as proposals to display the Ten Commandments.
Superintendent Walters’ Stance
In response to the resistance faced by his Bible directive, Superintendent Walters reiterated the importance of adhering to academic standards. His office issued a statement emphasizing that districts are obligated to fulfill these standards, hinting at potential measures to hold non-compliant districts accountable. Walters has been increasingly visible in conservative circles and media, positioning himself as a proponent of eliminating what he perceives as a “radical far-left agenda” in schools.
Implications for Education and Policy
The ongoing debate surrounding the teaching of the Bible in Oklahoma classrooms raises broader questions about the intersection of education, religion, and state authority. While some view the directive as a means of preserving cultural heritage and values, others express concerns about the separation of church and state and the potential for religious bias in public education.
As the debate continues, educators, policymakers, and community members in Oklahoma and beyond are grappling with how to navigate these complex issues while upholding principles of academic freedom, diversity, and inclusivity. The outcome of this debate could have far-reaching implications for the future of education policy in the state and across the country.
