Ryan Walters, Oklahoma’s State Superintendent of Public Instruction, has directed all schools across the state to incorporate Bible teachings and the Ten Commandments into middle school and high school curriculum, stating their historical and cultural significance to the nation. The directive is effective immediately and is based on educational standards set in May 2019.
Walters asserted that teaching the Bible and the Ten Commandments is fundamental to understanding Western civilization and the foundation of the nation’s legal system. He further mentioned that this knowledge helps to contextualize present-day United States.
Louisiana’s Governor, Jeff Landry, had previously implemented similar legislation requiring public-funded K–12 schools and colleges to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms.
However, Walters’ directive has sparked some backlash, with critics arguing it violates the church and state divide. The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), a non-profit organization, has threatened to take action against this directive.
Despite the criticisms, Walters maintains that the initiative will enhance cultural and historical literacy among Oklahoma’s students. In addition, he emphasized that the teachings should be seen as an appropriate study of history, civilization, ethics, comparative religion, as well as their substantial influence on the nation’s founders and constitution’s foundational principles.