In a significant decision underscoring the separation of church and state, the Oklahoma Supreme Court has issued a stay on the state’s initiative to distribute Bibles in public schools.
This move comes amidst ongoing debates about religious materials in educational settings and raises questions about constitutional boundaries.
Background of the Initiative
In June 2024, State Superintendent Ryan Walters mandated that all public schools in Oklahoma incorporate the Bible, including the Ten Commandments, into their curricula.
He directed that every classroom have a Bible and that teachers utilize it in instruction, emphasizing its historical significance in Western civilization and American history.
To support this mandate, Walters sought a $3 million appropriation from the state legislature to purchase 55,000 King James Version (KJV) Bibles for students in grades 5 through 12.
Controversy and Legal Challenges
The proposal faced immediate criticism on several fronts:
- Constitutional Concerns: Critics argued that the mandate violated the Oklahoma Constitution’s provisions on the separation of church and state. Specifically, Article II, Section 5 prohibits the use of public funds or property for the benefit of any religious institution.
- Bidding Process Issues: The initial Request for Proposals (RFP) specified criteria that seemingly limited eligible Bibles to versions endorsed by political figures, notably the “God Bless the U.S.A. Bible” endorsed by former President Donald Trump. This raised concerns about the fairness and legality of the bidding process.
- Diverse Religious Beliefs: Opponents highlighted that mandating a specific version of the Bible could alienate students and families of different faiths or those who are non-religious, potentially infringing upon individual religious freedoms.
In October 2024, a coalition of 32 Oklahomans, including parents, teachers, and clergy, filed a lawsuit challenging the mandate.
They contended that the directive infringed upon their religious freedoms and that the allocation of public funds for religious materials was unconstitutional.
Supreme Court’s Intervention
On March 10, 2025, the Oklahoma Supreme Court issued a stay on the state’s RFPs for Bibles and Bible-infused curricula.
Chief Justice Dustin Rowe’s order effectively halts any further action on these proposals until a final decision is rendered.
The court deferred ruling on the broader constitutionality of Walters’ Bible mandate, indicating that this issue would be addressed at a later stage.
Reactions to the Ruling
- Superintendent Ryan Walters: Walters expressed disappointment but remained resolute, stating, “The Bible has been a cornerstone of our nation’s history and education for generations. We will continue fighting to ensure students have access to this foundational text in the classroom.”
- Opponents of the Mandate: The coalition opposing the mandate hailed the ruling as a victory for religious freedom. They emphasized the importance of maintaining the separation of church and state to protect individual beliefs and prevent governmental overreach into personal religious matters.
Broader Implications
Oklahoma’s situation reflects a broader national discourse on the role of religion in public education. Similar debates have emerged in other states:
- Louisiana: A federal judge recently blocked a law requiring public schools to display the Ten Commandments, deeming it unconstitutional.
- Texas and Idaho: Legislators have introduced bills promoting the display of religious texts and daily Bible readings in public schools, sparking legal challenges and public debate.
The Oklahoma Supreme Court’s decision to halt the Bible distribution plan underscores the complexities inherent in balancing educational content with constitutional principles.
As the state awaits a final ruling, this case serves as a pivotal example of the ongoing national conversation about the role of religion in public institutions and the enduring importance of upholding the separation of church and state.