Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters issued a directive requiring all schools in the state to incorporate the Bible and the Ten Commandments into their curriculums. The directive, effective immediately, is in line with educational standards approved in May 2019.

Walters stated that the Bible is an "indispensable historical and cultural touchstone" and that without basic knowledge of it, students would be unable to properly understand the foundation of the nation. He further emphasized that this is not just an educational directive but a crucial step in ensuring students grasp the core values and historical context of the country.

"It's crystal clear to us that in the Oklahoma academic standards under Title 70 on multiple occasions, the Bible is a necessary historical document to teach our kids about the history of this country, to have a complete understanding of Western civilization, to have an understanding of the basis of our legal system," Walters said.

The announcement was criticized by those concerned the mandate would blur the line between church and state.

"Public schools are not Sunday schools. Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters has repeatedly made clear that he is incapable of distinguishing the difference and is unfit for office. His latest scheme — to mandate use of the Bible in Oklahoma public schools' curriculum is a transparent, unconstitutional effort to indoctrinate and religiously coerce public school students," said Rachel Laser, president and CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State.

The announcement comes just a few days after the state's Supreme Court ruled that a proposed religious charter school was unconstitutional.

Manny Munoz