Overview of the Budget Allocation
Oklahoma’s initiative to place Bibles in every public school classroom comes with a hefty price tag. Led by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters, the state has allocated $3 million in its 2025-2026 budget for this purpose. This amount is in addition to the $3 million already designated for the current school year to provide these religious texts to classrooms.
Civil Rights Groups Respond
The significant financial commitment to providing Bibles in public schools has raised concerns among several civil rights organizations. Four groups — Americans United for Separation of Church and State, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the ACLU of Oklahoma Foundation, and the Freedom From Religion Foundation — have requested that the Oklahoma State Department of Education release all records related to its spending on Bibles.
On October 3, Americans United announced their records request. On the same day, they also sought documentation from the Ohio Office of Budget and Management regarding that state’s reported allocation of at least $3 million for repairs and construction at private religious schools.
Opposition to Public Funding for Religious Texts
Organizations opposing the use of public funds for religious purposes argue that this practice violates the principle of separation of church and state. They express concerns that teaching the Bible in public schools may promote harmful messages, including reinforcing gender stereotypes, marginalizing the LGBTQ+ community, justifying slavery and racism, and excluding religious minorities.
These groups also criticize the use of taxpayer dollars for private schools, noting that these institutions can deny admission to marginalized students, including those with disabilities, learning differences, or LGBTQ+ parents.
“Oklahoma taxpayers should not be forced to bankroll Superintendent Walters’ Christian nationalist agenda,” said Rachel Laser, president and CEO of Americans United. “His latest scheme to mandate the use of the Bible in Oklahoma public school curriculum is a transparent, unlawful effort to indoctrinate and religiously coerce public school students. Not on our watch. Public schools are not Sunday schools.”
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