In a significant development concerning the intersection of education and religious freedom, the Oklahoma Supreme Court has issued a temporary block on the Oklahoma State Department of Education’s (OSDE) initiative to purchase Bibles and Bible-based instructional materials for public schools.
Background of the Initiative
In June 2024, State Superintendent Ryan Walters mandated that all public schools serving grades 5 through 12 incorporate the Bible into their curricula.
This directive aimed to highlight the Bible’s influence on Western civilization, justice, human rights, and the rule of law. Subsequently, in July 2024, Walters required that physical copies of the Bible and the Ten Commandments be present in every classroom, accompanied by guidelines on their instructional use.
By September 2024, Walters proposed a $3 million investment to purchase 55,000 Bibles for classroom use.
Legal Challenges and Court’s Intervention
The initiative faced immediate opposition. In October 2024, a group comprising families, teachers, and faith leaders filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the mandate.
They argued that using taxpayer funds to purchase Bibles violated the principle of separation of church and state. On March 10, 2025, the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, issuing a temporary stay that:
- Prohibited OSDE from issuing new requests for Bible purchases.
- Paused the request for proposals (RFP) aimed at sourcing Bible-based curriculum materials.
The court’s decision was influenced by concerns raised by the Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) regarding potential legal challenges and the appropriate use of taxpayer funds.
Statements from Key Stakeholders
Following the court’s ruling, various stakeholders expressed their positions:
- Superintendent Ryan Walters: Emphasized the Bible’s historical significance and reiterated his commitment to integrating it into educational settings. He stated, “We will continue fighting to ensure students have access to this foundational text in the classroom.”
- Opponents of the Initiative: A coalition comprising Americans United for Separation of Church and State, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and other organizations hailed the court’s decision as a victory for religious freedom. They remarked, “This victory is an important step toward protecting the religious freedom of every student and parent in Oklahoma.”
Financial Implications
The proposed expenditure of $3 million to purchase 55,000 Bibles raised concerns among taxpayers and legislators.
Critics questioned the allocation of public funds for religious materials, especially given that many students might already have access to digital versions.
Governor Kevin Stitt noted that students likely have the Bible app on their phones, suggesting that public funding for physical Bibles might be unnecessary.
Current Status and Future Outlook
As of now, the OSDE is prohibited from proceeding with the Bible purchase initiative. The court’s temporary stay remains in effect pending further legal proceedings.
The final decision will hinge on constitutional interpretations concerning the separation of church and state and the appropriate use of public funds in educational settings.