Some Norman Parents Stand With NPS Superintendent’s Disproval Of Bible Mandate

Some parents of Norman Public Schools students thanked the district superintendent for taking a stand against the Bible mandate.

State Superintendent Ryan Waters issued it last month, requiring teachers to use it in the curriculum and to have it in classrooms. 

Last week News 9 also learned from lawmakers Walters can’t change the school curriculum with a memo. Multiple steps must be taken to make those changes. However, people have wasted little time speaking against Walters.  

“I urge you to reject any divisive policies,” said one parent on Wednesday at NPS’s School Board Meeting. “We are facing a significant threat.” 

Parents and state lawmakers like Rep. Forrest Bennett are worried about words from State Superintendent Ryan Walters.  

“It’s a scary slippery slope,” said Bennett, in an interview with News 9 last week. 

Norman Public Schools Superintendent Nick Migliorino told the Norman Transcript, “We are not going to have Bibles in our classrooms.” 

Parents at Wednesday night’s Norman school board meeting agreed with Migliorino’s position. 

“That is not what our founders of this country wanted,” said Meagan Bolton, at Wednesday’s board meeting. 

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution said, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.” Founding Father John Adams said in the Treaty of Tripoli -- "The Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion."  

The Center for Education Law in Oklahoma City called the memo “invalid under Oklahoma law.” Rep. Jon Echols said he considers himself a Christian, but he disagreed with this memo from Walter's office. 

“Mandating it in fifth through twelve from my mind cheapens my faith,” Echols said. 

For now, some parents in Norman are pleased that members of NPS leadership heard their concerns. 

“Thank you for standing up and doing what’s right for our NPS kids,” Bolton said. 

Walters' review committee will make recommendations on any new curriculum which then goes before lawmakers. News 9 contacted Walter's office which said Norman Schools will follow the mandate.