By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Oklahoma’s new education head, Lindel Fields, has removed the unconstitutional requirement for schools to teach Bible-based social studies lessons, a policy implemented by his predecessor, Ryan Walters. This decision follows a state Supreme Court ruling that deemed the initial requirement unlawful due to its violation of state policy-making rules and the First Amendment. Prior to leaving office, Walters sought to purchase Bibles for schools and initiated controversial curriculum changes promoting inaccurate historical narratives and the inclusion of right-wing propaganda. Furthermore, the state is considering rescinding other policies implemented by Walters, including the partnership with PragerU and the mandated inclusion of politically charged statements in social studies texts, as well as investigating the Department of Education’s finances during his tenure.
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Oklahoma is stepping back from a controversial plan that would have forced schools to teach Bible lessons within their social studies curriculum. This decision, spearheaded by the state’s new head of education, Lindel Fields, marks a significant shift from the previous administration’s policies under Ryan Walters. The requirement, deemed unconstitutional by the state Supreme Court, had faced legal challenges and widespread criticism, with many arguing that it violated the separation of church and state.
The initial mandate, issued in June 2024, came from Walters and the Oklahoma State Board of Education (OSBE). It aimed to incorporate the Bible into K-12 social studies, focusing on its historical, literary, musical, and cultural influences. Furthermore, Walters’ guidance had specified that every classroom should contain a physical copy of the Bible, along with the Ten Commandments, the U.S. Constitution, and the Declaration of Independence. This aggressive approach drew immediate backlash from parents, teachers, and religious leaders, who filed a lawsuit citing violations of state rule-making procedures and First Amendment protections.
The swift reversal by Superintendent Fields signifies a move towards respecting these legal boundaries and prioritizing the educational needs of Oklahoma students. The official statement from the Department of Education, delivered by interim Communications Director Tara Thompson, explicitly confirmed that “Superintendent Fields has no plans to distribute Bibles or a biblical education curriculum.” This announcement has been met with relief and cautious optimism from many within the state, especially social studies teachers who were burdened with generating their own standards to compensate for the former administration’s policies.
Beyond the Bible lesson requirement, Oklahoma is also considering severing ties with PragerU, a right-wing media outlet known for its conservative educational content. This potential decision has been met with even more enthusiasm, as many perceive PragerU as a purveyor of “fascist racist garbage” and a detriment to a balanced education. The move away from PragerU would be a welcome step in preventing the indoctrination of students and ensuring they receive a well-rounded education.
The shift in policy direction has led to various reactions. Some view it as a much-needed course correction, emphasizing the importance of separating religious teachings from public education. Others see it as a symbolic victory, expressing hope for a more inclusive and progressive approach in a state often perceived as conservative. The consensus is that the previous administration’s policies were a distraction, diverting resources and attention from the core issue of improving the state’s educational standards, which have historically ranked low nationally.
The underlying sentiment is a growing recognition that schools should not be used as platforms for religious indoctrination, and that students need access to a comprehensive and unbiased education. Concerns were raised about the potential consequences if this were to continue, including how the state would fairly handle similar requests for religious expression, such as the inclusion of the Quran in classrooms. The potential for the state’s education system to get further bogged down in lawsuits and become even more of a joke was another concern.
While the new direction is encouraging, some commenters were still skeptical, expressing concerns that this change might be a temporary fix influenced by external factors rather than a genuine shift in ideology. The state’s history of enacting regressive policies adds a layer of skepticism. Some feel that even with the shift, the state might still struggle to move forward and might remain a “shithole state” as its educational system struggles to keep up.
The change of course represents a win in the ongoing battle to protect the separation of church and state in education. The decision to distance the state from both the Bible mandate and PragerU points toward a more balanced, legally compliant approach to education in Oklahoma.