The Oklahoma Department of Education has initiated the bidding process for a Bible-based curriculum meant for elementary school children, which has sparked controversy and opposition from various groups. State Superintendent Ryan Walters has faced backlash for his plan to spend $3 million in taxpayer funds on Bibles for public classrooms, leading to a lawsuit and resistance from several school districts. The curriculum proposal aims to incorporate biblical content into character instruction, emphasizing core virtues and historical influences. Walters defends the initiative as an effort to teach U.S. and Oklahoma history, although critics argue that it promotes a single faith perspective in public schools. Representatives from Americans United for Separation of Church and State have condemned the proposal as an attempt to proselytize students and violate the separation of church and state. Despite the opposition, Walters continues to push for the inclusion of Bible-based teaching materials in schools, citing the need for strengthened civics and constitutional studies. The curriculum proposal aligns with the state’s new social studies standards and will be presented to the State Board of Education for approval. Similar controversies have arisen in Texas, where the Board of Education approved Bible-infused lessons for K-5 students, leading to calls for school superintendents to reject the religious teaching plan. As the debate continues, advocates for religious freedom and the separation of church and state remain vigilant in protecting the rights of students and families to decide on matters of faith and education.
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