Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters has mandated that public schools incorporate the Bible into their curriculum for grades five through twelve, effective the 2024-2025 school year. The directive requires classrooms to have physical copies of the Bible, the U.S. Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and the Ten Commandments. The guidelines emphasize teaching the Bible's historical, literary, and secular benefits while avoiding religious proselytization. However, many large school districts have stated they will not alter their curricula, citing local control and existing state laws that permit but do not require Bible instruction. The mandate has sparked significant backlash from civil rights groups, teachers' unions, and Democratic lawmakers who argue it is both unlawful and potentially unconstitutional. Despite the controversy, Walters insists the directive is essential for students to understand Western civilization's foundations.