Oklahoma education leader orders public school to incorporate Bible into lessons

By Sean Murphy (AP) - Posted at Baptist Press:

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma’s top education official ordered public schools Thursday (June 27) to incorporate the Bible into lessons for grades 5 through 12.

The directive drew immediate condemnation from civil rights groups and supporters of the separation of church and state, with some calling it an abuse of power and a violation of the U.S. Constitution.

The order sent to districts across the state by State Superintendent Ryan Walters says adherence to the mandate is compulsory and “immediate and strict compliance is expected.”

“The Bible is an indispensable historical and cultural touchstone,” Walters said in a statement. “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.”

Read more here. 

See also:

• State Education Official Orders All Public Schools to Include Bible in Lessons | CBN News