Current:Home > FinanceOklahoma public schools leader orders schools to incorporate Bible instruction -Pinnacle Profit Strategies
Oklahoma public schools leader orders schools to incorporate Bible instruction
View
Date:2025-04-16 02:57:32
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma’s top education official ordered public schools Thursday to incorporate the Bible into lessons for grades 5 through 12, the latest effort by conservatives to incorporate religion into classrooms.
The directive sent Thursday to superintendents across the state by Republican State Superintendent Ryan Walters says adherence to the mandate is compulsory and “immediate and strict compliance is expected.”
“The Bible is an indispensable historical and cultural touchstone,” Walters said in a statement. “Without basic knowledge of it, Oklahoma students are unable to properly contextualize the foundation of our nation which is why Oklahoma educational standards provide for its instruction.”
The directive is the latest effort by conservative-led states to target public schools: Louisiana required them to post the Ten Commandments in classrooms, while others are under pressure to teach the Bible and ban books and lessons about race, sexual orientation and gender identity. Earlier this week the Oklahoma Supreme Court blocked an attempt by the state to have the first publicly funded religious charter school in the country.
A former public school teacher who was elected to his post in 2022, Walters ran on a platform of fighting “woke ideology,” banning books from school libraries and getting rid of “radical leftists” who he claims are indoctrinating children in classrooms.
He has clashed with leaders in both parties for his focus on culture-war issues including transgender rights and banning books, and in January he faced criticism for appointing a right-wing social media influencer from New York to a state library committee.
Walters’ directive immediately came under fire from civil rights groups and supporters of the separation of church and state.
“Public schools are not Sunday schools,” said Rachel Laser, president and CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, in a statement. “This is textbook Christian Nationalism: Walters is abusing the power of his public office to impose his religious beliefs on everyone else’s children. Not on our watch.”
veryGood! (422)
Related
- The Louvre will be renovated and the 'Mona Lisa' will have her own room
- South Dakota anti-abortion groups appeals ruling that dismissed its lawsuit over ballot initiative
- Migrant children were put in abusive shelters for years, suit says. Critics blame lack of oversight
- More Democrats join wave of lawmakers calling on Biden to drop out of 2024 race
- Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
- Prince William and Kate Middleton Are Hiring a New Staff Member—and Yes, You Can Actually Apply
- Here's How to Get $237 Worth of Ulta Beauty Products for $30: Peter Thomas Roth, Drunk Elephant & More
- 'Skywalkers' looks at dangerous sport of climbing tall buildings, illegally
- Trump issues order to ban transgender troops from serving openly in the military
- Black lawmakers are standing by Biden at a crucial moment. But some express concern
Ranking
- Warm inflation data keep S&P 500, Dow, Nasdaq under wraps before Fed meeting next week
- Tell Me Lies Season 2 Finally Has a Premiere Date
- Rachel Lindsay's Ex Bryan Abasolo Says He Was “Psychologically Beaten Down Before Meeting Divorce Coach
- Shane Lowry keeps calm and carries British Open lead at Troon
- Costco membership growth 'robust,' even amid fee increase: What to know about earnings release
- Kylie Jenner’s Italian Vacation With Kids Stormi and Aire Is Proof They're Living La Dolce Vita
- Snag SPANX’s Viral Leggings and More Cute Styles on Mega Discount at Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale 2024
- Moon fests, moon movie and even a full moon mark 55th anniversary of Apollo 11 landing
Recommendation
The FTC says 'gamified' online job scams by WhatsApp and text on the rise. What to know.
New emojis aren't 'sus' or 'delulu,' they're 'giving.' Celebrate World Emoji Day
Shannen Doherty's divorce from Kurt Iswarienko was finalized one day before her death
To test the Lotus Emira V-6, we first battled British build quality
Federal appeals court upholds $14.25 million fine against Exxon for pollution in Texas
Harvey Weinstein's New York sex crimes retrial set to begin in November
The man who saved the 1984 Olympic Games and maybe more: Peter Ueberroth
Nominations for National Guard leaders languish, triggering concerns as top officers retire