Overview:
The Oklahoma State Department of Education has purchased more than 500 Bibles for use in AP Government classrooms.
The Oklahoma State Department of Education announced Thursday that it has purchased more than 500 Bibles for use in Advanced Placement government classrooms. According to spokesperson Dan Isett, the purchase cost the agency $25,000.
The acquisition is part of a broader plan to provide resources such as the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and the U.S. Constitution. Following the cancellation of a previous request for proposals reported by Oklahoma Watch, the agency plans to issue a new solicitation for bids to obtain additional copies of these materials.
State Superintendent Ryan Walters described the initiative of using the Bible as a historical source as a as enhancing students’ understanding of American history and culture. “I will take every step possible to ensure Oklahoma students have the resources they need to fully understand American history,” Walters said in a statement. “By acting now, Oklahoma is leading the country on a path toward greater focus on academic excellence by providing critical historical, cultural, and literary context for our students.”
Walters also expressed a long-term goal of placing a Bible in every classroom across the state, positioning the texts as academic and literary resources.
The decision has drawn attention due to its nationwide debates over the role of religious texts in public education and the separation of church and state. Further developments regarding the new solicitation for additional materials are expected in the coming weeks.