In a recent interview with NBC News, Oklahoma's Superintendent of Public Instruction, Ryan Walters, announced that educators who refuse to teach students about the Bible could potentially lose their teaching license. Walters issued a memo on Thursday, instructing all Oklahoma schools to incorporate teachings about the Bible's influence on the nation's founding and historical American figures into their curriculum. Furthermore, schools will be required to have a Bible available in every classroom.

According to Walters, teachers who defy the new Bible instruction mandate may face the same consequences as those who refuse to teach about significant historical events such as the Civil War. The revocation of their teaching license could occur following a vote by the Oklahoma State Board of Education, where Walters serves as chair.

Walters emphasized that any teacher who knowingly disobeys the law and fails to meet the Oklahoma Academic Standards will face repercussions. "Teachers have to teach Oklahoma Academic Standards, and this is absolutely going to be part of them," stated Walters. The implementation of this new rule has, however, generated criticism from civil liberties and religious groups.

The Jewish Federation of Tulsa and the Oklahoma chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations have both expressed concern, claiming that this mandate inappropriately promotes Christianity in schools. Americans United for Separation of Church and State also condemned Walters, accusing him of using his public office to impose his religious beliefs on students. The group is currently assessing their options.

Walters defended the new Bible instruction requirement, stating that the education department had been working on guidance for incorporating the Bible in classrooms for nine months. He believes the Bible is being targeted and emphasized that existing laws already permit teachers to utilize Bibles in the classroom during instruction.

Responding to criticism about the legal authority of his memo, a spokesperson from the Oklahoma attorney general's office clarified that current laws already allowed for the use of Bibles in classrooms, and that no additional authority would be granted by the superintendent's memo.

While opposition to the new mandate continues to grow, Walters expressed confidence in his order's ability to withstand legal challenges. He cited the justices appointed to the Supreme Court by former President Donald Trump as a factor in the memo's potential success. Walters believes that if Trump is reelected, it will further support their efforts to incorporate Bible teachings in classrooms.

As this debate unfolds, educators in Oklahoma will need to decide how to navigate the potential consequences of this new mandate, and the implications it may have on the separation of church and state within the education system.