Oklahoma Superintendent Faces Lawsuit Over Bible Mandate in Schools

Parents, teachers, and religious leaders challenge the legality of a state directive requiring Bible instruction in public classrooms.

The lawsuit, filed in the Oklahoma Supreme Court, seeks to stop Superintendent Ryan Walters from enforcing a mandate that public schools teach the Bible.
Petitioners argue the mandate violates the Oklahoma Constitution by promoting one religion and misusing public funds.
The mandate includes a $3 million plan to purchase Bibles, initially requiring specific versions aligned with former President Trump's endorsed Bible.
Critics claim the mandate unlawfully supports a rule lacking legislative authority and infringes on parental rights to guide their children's religious education.
Superintendent Walters defends the mandate, citing the Bible's historical significance, while opponents emphasize the broader educational challenges facing Oklahoma.