Less than a month before Oklahoma school districts begin classes, the state school’s superintendent issued guidance on incorporating his directive to teach the Bible in every classroom.
In late June, Republican State Superintendent Ryan Walters mandated that school districts statewide integrate the Bible “as an instructional support into the curriculum” for grades five through 12. Despite backlash from civil rights groups and some Democratic lawmakers, Walters maintains that the Bible is “foundational for education” and a “cornerstone of Western civilization.”
Implementation Guidelines
Walters’ guidelines outline how teachers should incorporate the Bible into their lesson plans for various grade levels. “Immediate and complete implementation of these guidelines for the 2024-2025 school year is required,” Walters stated in a memo to district superintendents.
He emphasized that every teacher must receive these standards, along with physical copies of the Bible, the United States Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and the Ten Commandments as essential resources.
Districts Uphold Local Control
However, at least eight large districts have announced they will not be altering their curriculum despite the directive.
The Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office noted that state law permits teaching the Bible in classrooms, but the decision rests with each district. Many districts opposing the directive have cited local control in their decisions.
Center for Education Law Declares Mandate Invalid
The Center for Education Law also issued a memorandum to Oklahoma school districts, declaring Walters’ mandate invalid under state law.
Earlier this year, the legal firm successfully represented Edmond Public Schools in a lawsuit against Walters and the Oklahoma State Board of Education, where the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled that decisions on school library content are up to local school boards.
No Specific Religious Doctrine Included in Current Standards
Piedmont Public Schools informed parents that it adheres to the current Oklahoma State Academic Standards, which “acknowledge the significant influence of various religions in world history and culture.”
They emphasized that while students learn about religion’s impact, teaching any specific religious doctrine is not part of the current standards.
Multiple Districts Commit to Maintaining Existing Curriculum
Jenks Public Schools in suburban Tulsa also reassured parents they have “no plans to change course from our current materials.”
Other large districts, including Norman, Moore, Stillwater, Bixby, Yukon, and Deer Creek School Districts, have similarly stated they will maintain their locally approved curriculum.
House Democrats Urge More Districts to Reject Walters’ Directive
Oklahoma House Democrats have encouraged more school districts to join those rejecting Walters’ directive.
“The state superintendent continues to feel emboldened enough to make mandates he has no authority to implement,” said Rep. Cyndi Munson, House minority leader. “This is nothing more than an attempt to strip Oklahomans of their religious freedom.”
Guidelines Focus on Historical, Literary, and Secular Aspects of the Bible
The five-page document outlining the guidelines states it aims to provide teachers with ways to incorporate the Bible that emphasize its historical, literary, and secular benefits, ensuring compliance with legal standards.
It includes guidance on using the Bible to teach historical context, its literary significance, and its influence on art and music.
Teaching Methods Detailed in Guidelines
Under “Implementation Strategies,” the document details subsections such as “Textual Analysis,” “Comparative Studies,” “Historical Documents and Speeches,” and “Critical Thinking and Discussion,” outlining Walters’ preferred teaching methods.
It also provides grade-specific guidelines for students in grades five through 12 and a “Legal Considerations” section.
Funding and Bible Versions Unspecified
Neither the original directive nor the guidance specifies who will fund the Bibles for each classroom or which versions are acceptable.
Walters cites his authority under Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes, which allows school districts to determine their curriculum, subject to legal requirements.
Legal Argument
The Center for Education Law argues that Walters did not comply with the state’s Administrative Procedures Act (APA) when issuing his directive, which requires administrative rules to be authorized by law and approved by the agency’s governing board.
The law group notes that the state Supreme Court ruled the state Board of Education cannot exercise power without specific legislative authority.
Walters Defends Directive
Walters asserts he has the authority to issue such a directive and warned districts: “Some Oklahoma educators have indicated they won’t follow the law and Oklahoma standards, so let me be clear: they will comply, and I will use every means to make sure of it.”
Walters’ directive is part of a broader trend among conservative-led states to incorporate religious teachings into public education. Recently, Louisiana mandated the display of the Ten Commandments in every public classroom, and leaders in Texas have proposed a curriculum incorporating Bible teachings.
