In a move that has sparked widespread debate, Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters has announced that the Christian Bible will now be a required part of the curriculum in all public schools across the state. Additionally, each classroom will be mandated to have a physical Bible present.
The Announcement
Superintendent Walters made the announcement on Thursday, emphasizing the importance of the Bible as a historical document. “We’re going to make an important announcement today regarding the Bible and the Ten Commandments,” Walters stated. He explained that his staff had reviewed Oklahoma statutes and academic standards, concluding that the Bible is essential for understanding the history of the United States, Western Civilization, and the foundations of the country’s legal system.
Historical Significance
Walters elaborated on the Bible’s influence throughout American history, referencing its role in significant documents and movements. He mentioned the Federalist Papers, constitutional debates, and the Civil Rights Movement led by Martin Luther King Jr., all of which, according to Walters, drew heavily from biblical principles.
“We also find major points in history that refer to the Bible,” Walters continued. “We see multiple figures whether we’re talking about the Federalist Papers, constitutional conventional arguments, and Martin Luther King Jr. who used it as a tremendous impetus for the Civil Rights Movement and tied many of those arguments back to the Bible.”
Curriculum Requirements
To ensure compliance, Walters outlined a clear directive: every public school classroom in Oklahoma must have a Bible, and instruction from the Bible will be integrated into the curriculum, particularly for students in grades 5-12. “It is essential that our kids have an understanding of the Bible and its historical context,” he emphasized.
Walters defended this requirement by stating, “The Bible is an indispensable historical and cultural touchstone. Without basic knowledge of it, Oklahoma students are unable to properly contextualize the foundation of our nation which is why Oklahoma educational standards provide for its instruction.”
