Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters’ initiative to integrate the Bible into the public school curriculum is facing resistance from several districts.
At least eight major districts across Oklahoma are opposing the mandate, receiving mixed reactions of criticism and support, according to reports.
During an appearance on “Fox & Friends Weekend,” Walters addressed those districts.
OKLAHOMA SCHOOLS NOW MANDATED TO TEACH BIBLE AND TEN COMMANDMENTS: SUPERINTENDENT
The directive for Oklahoma schools to include the Bible in the curriculum has sparked controversy in some circles.(iStock)
“I want to tell these progressive administrators that if they choose to disregard the law and refuse to teach it, they should consider leaving for California. Here in Oklahoma, we are committed to ensuring that our history is taught,” he stated during his “Fox & Friends Weekend” appearance on Sunday.
“We are equipping teachers with the necessary resources to teach these concepts that have been pushed out by the left. Last week, we provided guidelines to ensure every teacher fully comprehends the historical references included in our standards. Our goal is for students in Oklahoma to gain a deeper understanding of American history than anywhere else in the nation, and we’re establishing a roadmap for other states to emulate.”
Under the new directive, Oklahoma educators are expected to include the Bible in their teachings about its significance in U.S. history and its influence on the Founding Fathers.
OKLAHOMA SCHOOLS CHIEF CLASHES WITH CNN HOST OVER BIBLE IN CLASSROOMS DURING HEATED INTERVIEW
Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters addresses a special state Board of Education meeting on April 12, 2023, in Oklahoma City.(AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Additionally, each classroom will be provided with a Bible for teaching purposes.
Walters emphasized the requirement enjoys substantial support from parents throughout the state.
“In my campaign three years ago, voters made it clear: Why aren’t we teaching our children that their rights are granted by God? Why aren’t we discussing pivotal moments in American history where the Bible was referenced? It is undeniably a part of our history,” he remarked.
OPINION: WITHOUT THE BIBLE, SCHOOLS ARE WITHOUT A FOUNDATION. OKLAHOMA OFFERS A REMEDY
He further stated, “Our children must grasp the history of this nation and understand what initially made it great. We will not permit the ACLU and teachers’ unions to undermine our educational system by asserting that there should be no reference to God or the Bible, especially when it has been one of the most cited texts in American history.”
Earlier this year, Louisiana faced similar controversy when it enacted a law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Fox News’ Greg Wehner contributed to this report.
