Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters issued a directive for schools to include the Bible in classroom lessons, claiming legal authority to mandate specific curriculum. However, the Oklahoma Attorney General’s office refuted this, stating that state law grants local school districts, not the state superintendent, the authority over curriculum decisions. While Oklahoma law does permit the Bible to be taught in public schools under specific guidelines since 2010, it emphasizes religious neutrality and respect for diverse perspectives. Walters’ plan also includes revising social studies standards to incorporate the Bible and ensure accuracy, a move that remains controversial and subject to legal scrutiny regarding curriculum control.
