A joint lawsuit has been filed against the Oklahoma Department of Education, challenging a new requirement that mandates the use of the Bible as a teaching resource in public schools. The policy, introduced by Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters, requires educators to incorporate lessons on how the Bible has influenced Western societies, including its impact on history, literature, and art. According to the lawsuit, Walters plans to allocate $3 million to purchase King James Bibles for classroom use.
Concerns About the New Policy
Many parents, teachers, and clergy have raised concerns regarding this mandate. They argue that it infringes on parental rights to guide their children’s religious and moral upbringing. They fear that students will face confusion when teachings contradict their personal beliefs.
Rev. Lori Walke, a minister at the Mayflower Congregational United Church of Christ, is one of the lead petitioners in the lawsuit. She opposes the use of taxpayer money to support a specific interpretation of the Bible, particularly the King James version. Walke contends that translating original Biblical texts requires theological choices, and public schools should not impose a singular viewpoint on students. She also expressed concern about misleading concepts found in the King James Bible, particularly regarding gender, sexuality, and gender roles.
Teachers Voice Their Objections
The lawsuit includes the testimony of a Catholic teacher who feels forced to teach a form of Christianity that does not align with his beliefs. He argues that the Bible contains concepts that are confusing and not suitable for students. He asserts he is unprepared to teach such material.
Additionally, an agnostic teacher joined the lawsuit, stating that she cannot teach the curriculum with a clear conscience. She believes that promoting one religion in the classroom could foster an exclusionary environment. Other teachers have expressed fears about the enforcement of the new policy, as Walters has indicated a firm commitment to ensuring compliance.
Parental Concerns
Parents have also voiced strong objections to the mandate. Many believe it undermines their right to guide their child’s moral and religious education. They worry that teaching the Bible could limit their children’s exploration of diverse religious beliefs. One mother detailed how her child’s previous exposure to Christianity led to fears regarding her LGBTQ beliefs, fearing that more Biblical instruction could exacerbate this situation. Another parent, who identifies as Native American, claimed that the new requirement could revive the historical proselytization of Native Americans in Oklahoma.
Concerns also extend to the content of the Bible itself. Some parents have argued that it endorses harmful practices, including slavery, discrimination, and violence.
Legal Action and State Response
The lawsuit seeks to have the policy declared unenforceable and requests an injunction against its implementation, along with coverage for the plaintiffs’ attorney fees.
In response, Walters stated that Oklahomans will not be intimidated by what he describes as “radical leftists” who oppose the nation’s founding principles. He argues that understanding the Bible’s historical and literary influence is essential to grasping American culture and history. Walters expressed pride in reinstating Biblical teachings in Oklahoma classrooms, emphasizing that he would not yield to what he calls mob intimidation.
This legal battle highlights the ongoing debate over the role of religion in public education and the complex intersection of personal beliefs, state policies, and parental rights.
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