Oklahoma superintendent orders all schools must teach the Bible and have a copy in every classroom [Video]

22:53 EDT 27 Jun 2024, updated 23:01 EDT 27 Jun 2024

The boss of Oklahoma public schools has ordered teachers to incorporate the Bible into lessons and keep a copy of the holy book in every classroom. 

Republican State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters made the decree on Thursday.

‘Effective immediately, all Oklahoma schools are required to incorporate the Bible, which includes the Ten Commandments, as an instructional support into the curriculum across specified grade levels, e.g. grades 5 through 12,’ Walters said.

Adherence to the mandate is compulsory and ‘immediate and strict compliance is expected.’

‘The Bible is an indispensable historical and cultural touchstone,’ Walters said. ‘Without basic knowledge of it, Oklahoma students are unable to properly contextualize the foundation of our nation which is why Oklahoma educational standards provide for its instruction.’