In a recent memorandum, the state of Oklahoma has mandated that all schools within its jurisdiction must incorporate the Bible and the Ten Commandments into their curriculums. The announcement, made by Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters, asserts that the Bible is a crucial historical document that provides a foundation for understanding the Constitution and the birth of the United States.

According to Walters, the Bible is an indispensable tool in teaching students about the history of the country and fostering a complete understanding of Western civilization and the basis of the legal system. As a result, every classroom in grades 5 through 12 is required to have a Bible, and teachers must integrate biblical teachings into their instruction.

This directive aligns with educational standards approved in May 2019 and applies to all school districts statewide. Walters stated in a news release that the Bible serves as an essential touchstone, and without a basic knowledge of it, Oklahoma students would be unable to properly contextualize the foundations of their nation.

Oklahoma's move follows a similar law enacted in Louisiana, which stipulates that all public classrooms must display the Ten Commandments. However, in response to this new legislation, a group of Louisiana parents and civil rights organizations has filed a lawsuit, arguing that the law violates the First Amendment and U.S. Supreme Court precedent.

Notably, Oklahoma's decision comes shortly after the state Supreme Court blocked the establishment of the first publicly funded religious charter school in the United States. The court justified its ruling by stating that a charter school must be nonsectarian, and the proposed school would have incorporated Catholic teachings into its curriculum. Superintendent Walters expressed disappointment with the court's decision and vowed to "fight back" in order to provide parents with more educational choices.

The implementation of the Bible and the Ten Commandments into Oklahoma's curriculum reflects the state's aim to ensure students grasp the core values and historical context of the country. The ongoing developments regarding this directive will be closely monitored and updated as the story unfolds.