Oklahoma on Wednesday released guidance to school districts on how to add the Bible to lesson plans, a move the state mandated last month.
Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters wrote in the guidance that teachers should focus on the historical, literary, artistic and musical influences of the Bible.
“The radical left mob tried to rewrite history in Oklahoma,” Walters said told the Washington Examiner, which first obtained the new guidelines. “That stops today, and Oklahoma schools will refocus the education of our children so that they know the value of the Bible in its historical context. ”
The guidance focused on how the Bible has impacted Western civilization and how it should be introduced to different age groups.
For middle school, ethical and philosophical discussions are permitted, while fifth graders examine narrative elements and literary devices in relation to biblical text and context.
“The Bible is indispensable for understanding the development of Western civilization and American history,” Walters said. “To ensure that our students are prepared to understand and contextualize our nation, its culture and its founding, all students in Oklahoma will learn the Bible in its historical, cultural and literary context. As we implement these standards, our schools will maintain open communication with parents to ensure they are fully informed and are full partners in their children’s education.”
Walters said the guidance is mandatory, despite some teachers promising not to include the Bible in their lesson plans.
The letter includes a section on legality and teaching the Bible in a way it calls religion neutral, adding that teachers need to include students with other beliefs.
“By not promoting any religious beliefs, these guidelines ensure that the curriculum remains inclusive and respectful of all backgrounds and beliefs. The focus remains firmly on the educational and secular benefits of literacy and background knowledge rather than religious indoctrination,” the guidance states.
The mandate is still likely to be challenged in court, as opponents argue that it is a flagrant violation of the separation of church and state.
“The goal of all of these strategies is to assert Christian favor and privilege in America and to fight democracy’s steady march toward equality for all. It’s a reaction to all the progress our society has made in recent times toward LGBTQ equality, women’s equality, racial equality, and black and brown equality,” Rachel Laser, president and CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, previously told The Hill.
The guidance comes after Oklahoma attempted to implement the nation’s first religious charter school, which was demolished, and as Louisiana required Ten Commandments posters in all classrooms, a measure that is on hold while it is challenged in court.
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story
