Oklahoma Seeks to Purchase 55,000 Bibles for Public Schools
OKLAHOMA CITY —
Oklahoma’s Top Education Official Makes Request
Oklahoma’s state superintendent of public instruction, Ryan Walters, is seeking to purchase 55,000 Bibles for public schools. Walters, a Republican, aims to spend $3 million in state funds for Bibles that fit certain criteria.
Bible Must Contain Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution
According to state bidding documents, the Bibles must include the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. These documents are not typically found in Bibles. The Bible must also be bound in leather or leather-like material for durability.
Bibles Must Include Specific Documents
The Bibles must also include the Old Testament, the New Testament, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the Bill of Rights. The requirement matches the “God Bless the USA Bible” that former President Trump endorsed this year.
Ryan Walters’ Efforts to Require Bibles in Every Classroom
Walters is part of state Supt. of Public Instruction, and he aims to make Bibles a part of every classroom. This initiative has been met with resistance from some of Oklahoma’s largest school districts.
Spokesman Denies Tailoring the Bid
When asked if the state’s bid was tailored for the Trump-backed Bible, a spokesman for Walters said the proposal was open to any vendor. The proposal is meant to attract a robust competition from multiple Bible publishers.
Concerns Over Potential Limitation on Competition
Former state Atty. Gen. Drew Edmondson, a Democrat, expressed concerns that the proposal may limit competition and argued that a court could void it. Edmondson stated, “All fingers point to the Trump Bible that does contain all these requirements.”
Incorporating the Bible into School Lessons
In June, Walters ordered public schools to incorporate the Bible into lessons for grades five through 12. The Bibles that meet the state’s requirements will include the Old Testament, the New Testament, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the Bill of Rights.
Conclusion
Oklahoma’s effort to purchase 55,000 Bibles for public schools has raised questions about the state’s procurement process and the potential limiting of competition. The Trump-backed Bible is one option that meets the state’s requirements, and it’s unclear how many other bibles on the market can meet these criteria.
FAQs
Q: What are the criteria for the Bible purchase?
A: The Bibles must include the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, the Old Testament, the New Testament, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the Bill of Rights. The Bible must also be bound in leather or leather-like material for durability.
Q: Was the state’s bid tailored for the Trump-backed Bible?
A: According to the spokesman for Ryan Walters, the proposal was open to any vendor and is meant to attract a robust competition from multiple Bible publishers.
Q: Is the state’s effort to require Bibles in every classroom facing resistance?
A: Yes, the initiative has been met with resistance from some of Oklahoma’s largest school districts.
Q: What is the cost of the Bible purchase?
A: The state aims to spend $3 million for the 55,000 Bibles.
