Oklahoma City metro school districts share if they will follow mandated Bible curriculum

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — We're working to learn which school districts across Oklahoma will follow State Superintendent Ryan Walters' mandate, and teach the bible in the classroom.

Many districts around the Oklahoma City metropolitan area say they're evaluating the situation, and waiting for more information from the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE).

Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) tells Fox 25 it's carefully considering what teaching the bible in the classroom could mean for their district. No matter what happens, OKCPS says it will continue to offer an inclusive environment that respects every religion and cultural background.

OKCPS provided Fox 25 with the following statement:

OKCPS is aware of the recent mandate from the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) requiring all Oklahoma schools 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.” As we continue to prepare for the coming school year, District teams are evaluating this new directive while also carefully considering its implications for OKCPS. We look forward to additional guidance from OSDE.

One of the greatest strengths of OKCPS is our diversity, and we will continue to uphold the values of inclusivity and respect for the religious beliefs and cultural backgrounds of all staff, students and families.

In Mustang, school leaders confirm that they're waiting for more information from the OSDE on how to follow this mandate effectively and appropriately.

Mustang Public Schools (MPS) says they're committed to following laws while ensuring students have a welcoming, effective learning space.

MPS shared the following statement with Fox 25:

We are aware of the announcement by State Superintendent Ryan Walters regarding the revision of Oklahoma’s social studies standards and the proposed inclusion of the Bible as part of the instructional materials in Oklahoma classrooms. At this time, we are awaiting further guidance and detailed information from the State Department of Education on how to implement this mandate effectively and appropriately.

Our district is committed to following all applicable laws and regulations while ensuring an inclusive and effective learning environment for all students. We will carefully review any additional instructions provided and communicate updates to our staff and families as more information becomes available.

20 minutes down the road, Yukon Public Schools (YPS) assures they will continue to follow their own curriculum, which they add is approved by state lawmakers.

YPS says schools can teach students about religion while respecting what somebody believes in. They provided Fox 25 with examples showing how religious texts can be taught in classes like history and literature:

Meanwhile, Piedmont families received an email from the district this afternoon, which says in bold that teaching any religious text is not part of the current educational standards:

The State Superintendent of Public Instruction recently sent a memo regarding using foundational texts in Oklahoma classrooms. The state-approved curriculum that Piedmont Schools adopted adheres to the current Oklahoma State Academic Standards (OSAS). The current standards acknowledge the significant influence of various religions in world history and culture. Studies include discussions on the impact of religion in shaping societies, traditions, and historical events. Piedmont Schools has adhered to these standards since their implementation in 2019.

Piedmont students have been and will continue to be allowed to bring their own religious texts, including the Bible, to school. Additionally, students are not prohibited from using their library access or district-provided technology devices to access religious texts.

However, it is important to clarify that while students learn about religion's role in historical and cultural contexts, teaching any specific religious doctrine or practice is not a part of the current standards.

Our goal is to continue providing a respectful environment that acknowledges various perspectives while adhering to the set and approved Oklahoma educational standards.

At Choctaw-Nicoma Park Schools (CNP), district leaders tell Fox 25 they're working with their legal team and even the Attorney General to see what is officially mandated.

CNP says no changes will be made next school year, as they will follow state standards and their curriculum.

They add that any standards created by the OSDE must be approved by state lawmakers before they can be used in the classroom:

We are working with our legal team and awaiting guidance from the Oklahoma Attorney General and Oklahoma State School Boards Association to determine what is officially mandated. No changes will be made during our next school year as we follow the Oklahoma State Standards and our district's adopted curriculum which do not include the inclusion of Bible teachings in the curriculum or inclusion of the Bible as a required book in the classrooms.

In the past, standards have been written and adopted by experts including classroom teachers within our state, and we hope that this will continue at the OSDE. According to state law, any standards created by the OSDE must be approved by our elected state legislatures before they can be used in classrooms.

Choctaw-Nicoma Park Schools remains committed to offering students a well-rounded, appropriate education following state laws and local approval as required.

Fox 25 asked the OSDE what the consequences might look like for a district that doesn't follow the mandate, but a spokesman said they were unavailable.