Oklahoma Bible Curriculum Mandate Sparks Legal Battles

Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters' mandate to integrate the Bible into public school curricula has sparked significant controversy and legal challenges. Walters insists that the Bible is essential for understanding American history and Western civilization, and has issued guidelines for its use in classrooms. At least 13 districts are pushing back, citing state laws that grant local control over curriculum. Advocacy groups, including the ACLU and Freedom From Religion Foundation, are considering legal challenges, and a lawsuit has already been filed by a concerned parent alleging violations of the First Amendment and separation of church and state. Walters has responded by stating that his mandate is in the best interest of educational advancement and has support from many parents. Despite his claims, Oklahoma ranks last in standardized test scores across the nation, raising questions about the efficacy of his policies.