Yesterday, Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters issued a Memo (full text) to all public-school superintendents in the state requiring them to incorporate the Bible into their schools' curriculum. The Memo reads in part:
Effective immediately, all Oklahoma schools are required to incorporate the Bible, which includes the Ten Commandments, as an instructional support into the curriculum across specified grade levels, e.g. grades 5 through 12....
The Bible is one of the most historically significant books and a cornerstone of Western civilization, along with the Ten Commandments. they will be referenced as an appropriate study of history, civilization, ethics, comparative religion, or the like, as well as for their substantial influence on our nation's founders and the foundational principles of our Constitution. This is not merely an educational directive but a crucial step in ensuring our students grasp the core values and historical context of our country....
Adherence to this mandate is compulsory....
The Department of Education also issued a press release announcing the new policy. KFOR News reports on the new policy. [Thanks to Thomas Rutledge for the lead.]
