'The Bible In Every Classroom:' State Superintendent Rolls Out New Guidelines For Bible Requirements

Several superintendents in the state have expressed their confusion and concern with a recent directive from the State Department of Education, announcing that Bibles will be required in every classroom starting in the 2024-25 school year.

Wednesday, State Superintendent Ryan Walters released new guidelines that he says, will show teachers how “to approach incorporation in a manner that emphasizes only its historical, literary and secular benefits, ensuring compliance with legal standards and precedents.”

“Districts will have the Bible in every classroom,” said Walters. “Obviously the Bible played a major role in our history, it's not debatable, that should be part of your understanding of American history or its academic malpractice.”

Walters rolled out additional guidelines today of how he expects Oklahoma teachers to incorporate the Bible into the curriculum. It lays out that the bible can be referenced when discussing the influence on western civilization, its impact on American history, literacy significance along with art and musical influence.

“In the guidelines, you see references to the Mayflower Compact, you see Thomas Jefferson talking about unalienable rights, well what did he mean by that?”

The superintendent says it’s not a change in the state standards or statute.

“These are guidelines to ensure that you are upholding the standards,” said Walters. “These are standards so kids can understand the full scope of American history, it's just like a teacher can’t refuse to teach math in a school district, these are standards.”

A lengthy process is required for changes to the curriculum standards, which requires a review board and vote from the state board of education. Those standards are reviewed every six years and will be up for review in 2025.

Walters says next year, he is pushing for drastic changes to the state standards, to include direct references to the bible.

“We're going to have a lot more references to the bible very explicitly,” said Walters.

Walters says his department is still working through some logistics including which version of the bible will be used and who will be paying to put the book in each classroom.

“We're continuing to flesh out what those options look like,” said Walters.

Walters says additional guidelines will be coming before the school year begins, but says “Immediate and complete implementation of these guidelines for the 2024-2025 school year is required.”

He says schools that don’t comply will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

“We will hold individuals and districts accountable if they choose not to comply,” said Walters. 

To read the full guidelines, click here: