People Have A Lot To Say About Oklahoma's New Bible In Classroom Mandate
by Matt Stopera · BuzzFeedThe state of Oklahoma has started a Religious Liberty and Patriotism department and is committed to bringing a Bible to every classroom.
State superintendent Ryan Walters released a video about it that's currently making the rounds on social media:
The Bible is back in Oklahomas classrooms. We are getting our kids back on track. pic.twitter.com/6dTjZKQ4pp
— Superintendent Ryan Walters (@RyanWaltersSupt) November 14, 2024
"I'm excited to announce today that Oklahoma is the first state to bring the Bible back to the classroom. Today, we purchased over 500 Bibles that will be in the AP government classrooms across the state," he said. "We have the Bible, the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights. These are foundational documents in our nation's history. Our kids have to understand the role the Bible played in influencing American history."
"It's very clear that the radical left has driven the Bible out of the classroom which leads to a lack of understanding of American history. We will not stop until we bring the Bible back to every classroom in the state."
Walters also sent a 90-second video to every state superintendent, requiring them to show it to all enrolled students and their parents.
In the video, Walters says this prayer: "Dear God, thank you for all the blessings you've given our country. I pray for our leaders to make the right decisions, I pray in particular for President Donald Trump and his team as they continue to bring about change to the country. I pray for our parents, teachers and kids that they get the best education possible and live high quality lives. I also pray that we continue to teach love of country to our young people, and that our students understand what makes America great and that they continue to love this country. Amen."
Let's just say, some people are not happy about it, and everyone is pointing out the same thing...
the bible will fix it https://t.co/Um2kGhLMeV pic.twitter.com/R2AIh1uh5u
— Peter Twinklage (@PeterTwinklage) November 15, 2024
They're saying Oklahoma is ranked 49th in the country in terms of education by U.S. News & World.
https://t.co/AaakZI9DhS pic.twitter.com/oeZgAkKqb9
— vinny (@vinnybutbetter) November 15, 2024
Yep, 49 out of 50.
And that's not all!
"Anyone who cares about the constitution understands how insane this is," one person said.
anyone who cares about the constitution understands how insane this is. https://t.co/oPlrywJbD8
— Alexis Kraft (@TheAlexisKraft) November 15, 2024
"I’m Christian and very conservative but I genuinely do not agree with this," another person said.
And this person pointed out this extremely unfortunate error: "Forgetting the apostrophe here is really a tell."
Forgetting the apostrophe here is really a tell https://t.co/B7LFig3i92
— dylan (@narrenhut) November 15, 2024
Even the Church of Satan chimed in, "We don't condone the indoctrination of children, don't believe religion should be taught in schools, and we aren't hypocrites."
Many people sending this to us asking if we will fight to get The Satanic Bible put in classrooms as well?
The answer, as always, is no.
We don't condone the indoctrination of children, don't believe religion should be taught in schools, and we aren't hypocrites. https://t.co/OlooW87zIL
— The Church Of Satan (@ChurchofSatan) November 15, 2024
USA Today reports that some large districts in the state say they aren't complying with the mandate.
Piedmont schools in the suburbs of Oklahoma City sent a letter to parents saying they have "'No plans to change course from our current materials."
In the letter, the school district said they "acknowledge the significant influence of various religions in world history and culture" but "it is important to clarify that while students learn about religion's role in historical and cultural contexts, teaching any specific religious doctrine or practice is not a part of the current standards."