Oklahoma Mandates Bible in Grades 5-12 Curriculum

Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters has mandated that all public schools in the state incorporate the Bible into their curriculum for grades 5 through 12. Walters argues that the Bible is a crucial historical and cultural document essential for understanding the foundation of the United States. The directive, effective immediately, has drawn sharp criticism from civil rights groups and advocates for the separation of church and state, who view it as an unconstitutional imposition of religious beliefs. Legal experts and some state officials question Walters' authority to enforce this mandate, noting that Oklahoma law allows but does not require the Bible in classrooms. This move is part of a broader conservative push to integrate religious content into public education, similar to recent actions in Louisiana.