Recently, the possibility of establishing a national mandate requiring Bibles to be included in classroom curricula has stirred significant conversation across the United States. The proposal stems from Ryan Walters, the chief school official of Oklahoma and one of the candidates being considered for the role of education secretary under former President Donald Trump. Walters articulated his support for this initiative during discussions about education policy, emphasizing the necessity of including the Bible as part of American history lessons.
During his appearance on NewsNation’s The Hill, Walters asserted, “Look, if you’re teaching American history, the Bible has to be included and we cannot allow left-wing activists to sit here and say we don’t like Christianity.” This statement underscored his firm belief in reinforcing what he terms 'American exceptionalism', connecting the Bible's teachings directly with the nation’s foundational narratives.
Walters is known for his strong advocacy of conservative policies and has actively supported Trump’s intention to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. He contended, “This is the reform we need. You do away with the Federal Department of Education. What you no longer have is this overreach and this left-wing drive to push states toward an agenda.” His remarks resonate with many supporters of charter schools and school choice initiatives, who view federal oversight as excessive.
Interestingly, this is not the first time Walters has made headlines for implementing Bible studies. Earlier this year, he mandated Oklahoma schools to incorporate Bible teachings and the Ten Commandments as educational resources. According to his directives, “Effective immediately, all Oklahoma schools are required to incorporate the Bible, which includes the Ten Commandments, as instructional support.” This policy was aimed at grades five through twelve and has already drawn opposition from various educators and civil rights groups.
The administrative push sparked backlash from educators and parents, resulting in over thirty lawsuits against Walters. Critics have argued against the constitutionality of mandatorily teaching religious texts within public schools, drawing parallels with the separation of church and state. Advocates for secular education express concerns about what they perceive as the violation of students’ rights to religious neutrality within educational settings. The legal disputes are likely to escalate as communities grapple with how best to address and implement such directives.
During his announcements, Walters insisted, “We want to make sure every student knows the role the Bible played in American history.” This reflection on history is something he believes is foundational for students to understand their nation fully. For Walters, teaching the Bible is not just about religion; it's about instilling patriotic values and principles tied to the nation’s legacy.
Supporters of the mandate believe it can play a role in shaping moral values among students. They argue the teachings of the Bible can provide children with ethical frameworks. Conversely, those against the proposal argue it can lead to indoctrination instead of education, raising alarms about the potential for discrimination against non-Christian students.
A number of states have similar discussions underway, as the religious debate intersects with educational policy, prompting many education advocates to keep a close eye on Oklahoma's developments. Critics have suggested Walters’ push may contribute to broader trends across the nation, leading to other states following suit or at least debating the inclusion of religious texts within their curriculum.
Fear over the implementation of such policies has resulted in heightened tensions within community discussions about education and faith. Civil rights groups are working tirelessly to mobilize opposition against these educational policies, seeing them as part of larger national dialogues about education's role, the place of faith, and the rights of children within public schooling.
While Walters has maintained his focus on Oklahoma, where his policies have been met with mixed feedback, he remains circumspect about his communication with Trump's team. He stated, “My focus has been on Oklahoma and the education here and we’re going to be on the front lines of bringing forth the America First agenda from President Trump to our state.” He is positioning Oklahoma as the test case and potential model for Trump’s educational vision.
If the proposed mandate on Bible teachings moves beyond Oklahoma, it could significantly affect how students across the nation understand both history and religious texts. Some may view this as necessary for defining and preserving American identity, whereas others could see it as straying too far from secular educational values. The split between secular and religious education values continues to challenge educational policies nationwide, igniting fierce debates about the direction of American schooling.
The future of education under Trump's administration—if he and Walters enact their combined vision—could redefine curricula across the nation and reshape the educational environment for millions of students. The conversation is far from over, and many educators, parents, and legal experts will be watching closely to see how this policy is implemented, contested, and perhaps, even adapted as it gains traction.
