Oklahoma schools are divided over a new directive ordering teachers to incorporate the Bible into their lessons.
In June, Republican state Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters decreed that every classroom in fifth through 12th grade must contain a copy of the holy book.
Walters said the Bible is “an indispensable historical and cultural touchstone” necessary to “properly contextualize the foundations of our nation.”
However, at least four districts have rejected the orders, saying they will not comply.
“As a public school system, it is crucial that we maintain neutrality and objectivity in our curriculum and instructional practices,” said Owasso Public Schools Superintendent Margaret Coates.
Oklahoma schools are divided over a new directive from state Superintendent Ryan Walters, who has ordered teachers to incorporate the Bible into lessons and keep a copy of the book in every classroom.
He added that Oklahoma law requires adoption of thematic standards on a six-year cycle and that the current setup will not be renewed until 2025.
“The curriculum currently used by Owasso Public Schools is fully aligned with the approved Oklahoma Academic Standards and we will continue to adhere to the district’s previously adopted curriculum and instructional materials,” she said.
“The Oklahoma Attorney General has stated that the state superintendent has no legal authority to decide curriculum content and that Oklahoma law clearly provides for local control of curriculum,” said Stillwater Superintendent Uwe Gordon.
He confirmed that his district will not purchase copies of Bibles or any other religious texts for classes.
“SPS prides itself on being respectful of the countless religions, cultures, traditions, worldviews and belief systems inherent in our community,” he said.
‘The district is also committed to meeting the academic standards set by the state and the laws of the country.’
Bixby Public Schools Superintendent Rob Miller and Moore Public Schools Superintendent Robert Romines said they understand the importance of teaching the role of religion in historical and cultural contexts.
However, both districts have refused to adopt the new curriculum.
Owasso Public Schools Superintendent Margaret Coates rejected the directive, saying, “It is crucial that we maintain neutrality and objectivity.”
Stillwater Superintendent Uwe Gordon, like several other education chiefs, questioned the legality of implementing the new measures before the official deadline for revising Oklahoma’s curriculum.
“Our goal is to continue to provide a respectful environment that recognizes diverse perspectives while adhering to established and approved Oklahoma educational standards,” Romines said.
The Oklahoma Education Association, a group of education professionals, also responded to the directive, saying it violates religious freedom principles.
The head of the Oklahoma chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations criticized the directive as a clear violation of the Constitution’s Establishment Clause, which prohibits the government from “establishing” a religion.
Current guidelines on religious education in Oklahoma schools state that it should be taught in relation to its historical role and world cultures.
Teachers must educate students about “the origins, major beliefs, spread and lasting impact of the world’s major religions and philosophies, including Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Confucianism and Sikhism,” according to the 2019 guidelines.
Walters’ new edict requires educators to incorporate the Bible by examining its “historical, literary, and secular benefits.”
The holy book is ‘ should not be used for religious purposes such as preaching, proselytizing or indoctrination’ and ‘it is crucial to maintain neutrality and objectivity’.
The directive requires all Oklahoma schools to use the Bible, which includes the Ten Commandments, as an instructional aid in the curriculum for grades 5 through 12.
But Walters has insisted she will “use every means” to ensure her educators comply with the edict.
Oklahoma law already explicitly allows Bibles in classrooms and allows teachers to use them in teaching, said Phil Bacharach, a spokesman for state Attorney General Gentner Drummond.
But Walters has doubled down on her commitment, hinting there could be consequences for those who fail to do so.
“Some Oklahoma educators have indicated that they will not comply with Oklahoma law and standards, so let me be clear: They will comply and I will use every means to ensure that they do,” he said. ABC News.
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