They are doing something controversial.
Oklahoma has recently taken a significant step by purchasing over 500 Bibles for use in Advanced Placement (AP) Government classrooms statewide. This initiative, the first of its kind, aims to introduce the Bible as an academic and literary resource in public education. The purchase is part of a broader effort to distribute a total of 55,000 King James Version Bibles across all classrooms in the state. These Bibles will also feature essential historical documents, including the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence, and the Pledge of Allegiance.
State Superintendent Ryan Walters has underscored the importance of providing students with resources that offer a comprehensive understanding of American history. He believes the Bible is integral to the nation’s history and culture, and he asserts that Oklahoma is setting a precedent in promoting academic excellence through the inclusion of this resource. Walters has emphasized that the state’s initiative aims to preserve, not revise, the nation’s history, with the Bible’s historical influence on American culture being a central focus.
In a video posted to social media, Walters discussed the role of foundational documents, including the Bible, in American history education. However, the initiative drew comparisons to the “God Bless the USA” Bible associated with former President Donald Trump. In light of these comparisons, the state adjusted its approach and decided to no longer include these historical documents within the Bibles.
This Bible distribution is part of a larger educational movement in Oklahoma, which also includes the creation of an “Office of Religious Liberty and Patriotism” by the Oklahoma Department of Education. This office is tasked with safeguarding the religious rights of students, teachers, and parents, as well as addressing instances where these freedoms might have been violated. It will also offer guidance on ensuring students’ rights to pray in schools are respected.
The push for religious expression and patriotism in Oklahoma has generated some controversy, particularly in light of legal challenges to schools, such as in Skiatook, where Bible verses were removed following complaints from the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Walters has condemned these actions, vowing to defend the right to religious expression in schools and to stand by educators facing legal pressure to remove religious symbols or texts.