The Oklahoma Department of Education was founded in 1918, alongside the creation of other state departments, with the sole purpose of “focusing on student achievement,” and creating an environment “where every child can reach their full potential, supported by schools that prioritize excellence and accountability” by adopting federal laws emphasizing religious neutrality in the process.
On June 27, 2024, Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters mandated that both the Bible and the Ten Commandments must be displayed in fifth through 12th grade classrooms. His mandate stems from his and other state legislators’ belief that Christian texts are not being taught sufficiently in the historical or cultural context of American history, adding that he hopes to “tell the story of America.”
Many families called for his removal. In fact, according to a Change Research poll, 58% of families wanted him impeached, while 75% called him a poor role model for students. Many individual families and teachers filed lawsuits against him.
Nevertheless, in March 2025, the Oklahoma Department of Education began distribution of Bibles with priority for AP Government classrooms.
Since the mandate, Walters has been a vocal critic of teachers unions, which are, in his words, pushing “woke indoctrination.” If Walters can’t trust the teachers he oversees, especially history teachers who are experts in a given field and should be trusted to teach the context appropriately, can he truly support the academic growth of students? Further, if he really wanted to display the full story of America, wouldn’t displaying the country’s diversity and individualism in classrooms be achieving that?
According to the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, the government cannot establish a main religion. The effect of this Amendment is to promote diversity and discourage conflict. Yet, this idea was abandoned in Kennedy v. Bremerton School District, interpreting the Establishment Clause as “necessary to teach understanding of religious historical contexts.” However, history proves that almost every religion has influenced America in some way.
Judaism, for example, has had roots in America since the colonial era. Seeking refuge from persecution in Europe, Jewish immigrants have fought in American wars, and sculpted a part of the culture we have today. Jewish-American activist and poet Emma Lazarus’ poem “The New Colossus” is inscribed on the Statue of Liberty, symbolizing American values of democracy and freedom.
Many other religions, such as Islam or Buddhism, have promoted their culture throughout American history. In the 18th and 19th centuries, immigrants shaped culture through art. Fredric Edwin Church, a painter working with the Hudson River School, a 19th century art movement, incorporated Islamic culture into his paintings. The entire existence of the school was to establish and celebrate differences in American culture, later fostering American nationalism.
In modern days, many religions have been responsible for shaping policy related to civil rights. Malcom X, a well known Muslim and Civil Rights activist, advocated for ending segregation, shaping policy that we have today.
It’s completely misleading to suggest that Christianity has had more of an influence on America than other religions. History and current events will disprove that.
While it may be hard to fight mandates like Walters’, it’s completely possible. Legislators and families across the state have protested against proposed legislation like Walters’, protecting teachers and promoting understanding for students.
Virginia should be a model for teachers under mandates like Walters’. Hang posters displaying the Eight-Fold path or the Five Pillars of Islam. For the sake of your students, expose them to the truths of the world: Christianity isn’t the only religion that exists.
Not only will your students be enriched with knowledge and be more tolerant of others around them, but you can have the peace of mind that you are fulfilling your duties as an educator and truly supporting their academic growth.
