Southern state tears itself apart as schools attack parents and authorities for pushing new religious directive

Oklahoma schools are divided over a new guideline that requires teachers to incorporate the Bible into their lessons.

In June, Republican state Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters ruled that every classroom in grades five through 12 must have a copy of the holy book.

Walters argued that the Bible is “an indispensable historical and cultural touchstone” necessary to “properly contextualize the foundations of our nation.”

However, at least four districts have objected to the measures and stated that they will not comply with them.

“As a public school system, it is critical that we remain neutral and objective in our curriculum and educational practices,” said Margaret Coates, superintendent of Owasso Public Schools.

She added that Oklahoma law requires standards to be adopted every six years and the current standards do not need to be renewed until 2025.

“The curriculum currently used by Owasso Public Schools is fully aligned with Oklahoma’s approved academic standards and we will continue to adhere to the curriculum and instructional materials previously adopted by the district,” she said.

“The Oklahoma Attorney General has stated that the state superintendent has no statutory authority to determine the content of the curriculum and that Oklahoma law clearly establishes local authority over the curriculum,” said Stillwater Superintendent Uwe Gordon.

He confirmed that his district will not purchase copies of the Bible or other religious texts for the classroom.

“SPS prides itself on showing respect for the many religions, cultures, traditions, worldviews and belief systems present in our community,” he said.

“The district also adheres to established state academic standards and the laws of the country.”

Bixby Public Schools Superintendent Rob Miller and Moore Public Schools Superintendent Robert Romines both said they understand the importance of teaching the role of religion in historical and cultural contexts.

However, both districts have refused to implement the new curriculum.

Owasso Public Schools Superintendent Margaret Coates rejected the directive, saying it is “critical that we maintain neutrality and objectivity.”

Stillwater School Principal Uwe Gordon, like several other education leaders, has questioned the legality of implementing the new measures ahead of the official deadline for Oklahoma’s curriculum overhaul.

“Our goal is to continue to provide a respectful environment that recognizes diverse perspectives and adheres to Oklahoma’s established and approved educational standards,” Romines said.

The Oklahoma Education Association, a group of education professionals, also responded to the directive, saying it violates principles of religious freedom.

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 of religion provision, which prohibits the government from “establishing” a religion.

Current guidelines for religious education in Oklahoma schools state that religious education should be taught in relation to its historical role and world cultures.

According to the 2019 guidelines, teachers must teach students about the “origins, core beliefs, spread and continuing impact of the major world religions and philosophies, including Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Confucianism and Sikhism.”

According to Walters’ new edict, teachers must study the Bible by examining its “historical, literary, and secular benefits.”

The holy book is ‘ may not be used for religious purposes such as preaching, proselytizing or indoctrination’ and ‘maintaining neutrality and objectivity is crucial’.

The directive states that all schools in Oklahoma must use the Bible, including the Ten Commandments, as an instructional support in the curriculum for grades 5 through 12.

But Walters has insisted he will use “every means” to ensure his teachers comply with the edict

According to Phil Bacharach, spokesman for Attorney General Gentner Drummond, Oklahoma law already explicitly allows for the use of the Bible in the classroom and allows teachers to use the Bible in their lessons.

But Walters has doubled down on his promises, insinuating there could be consequences for those who don’t.

“Some teachers in Oklahoma have indicated that they will not comply with the law and the standards of Oklahoma, so let me be clear: they will comply, and I will use every resource I have to make sure they do,” he said. ABC News.