Oklahoma Schools Chief Seeks Donations to Put Bibles in Classrooms
A New Effort to Promote Christian Values in Education
Oklahoma’s top education official, Ryan Walters, is partnering with country music singer Lee Greenwood to raise funds to distribute $59.99 leather-bound “God Bless the USA” Bibles to classrooms throughout the state. This initiative comes after a legislative panel rejected Walters’ request for $3 million to fund the effort.
A Partnership with Lee Greenwood
Walters is teaming up with Greenwood, a well-known Christian singer, to promote the initiative. The Bibles, which have been endorsed by former President Donald Trump, will be given to students in grades 5 through 12. The partnership aims to make the Bibles available to Oklahoma schools, despite the initial rejection of funding by the legislative panel.
The Importance of the Bible in Education
According to Walters, the Bible is “indispensable in understanding the development of Western civilization and American exceptionalism, history, and all similar subjects.” He believes that the ongoing attempts to remove the Bible from schools is an “attack on the foundation of our country.”
A History of Controversy
This is not the first time Walters has faced controversy over his role as Oklahoma’s education chief. In the past, he has been criticized for his push to require public schools to begin incorporating the Bible into lesson plans, which led to a lawsuit from a group of public school parents and teachers. Many schools simply ignored the mandate.
A Divisive Figure in Education
Walters’ divisive brand of politics has attracted criticism from even his Republican colleagues. The legislative committee’s denial of his $3 million request to pay for the Bibles is a sign of growing frustration with his approach. Additionally, Governor Kevin Stitt recently rejected Walters’ proposal to require schools to collect the immigration status of children.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Oklahoma’s education chief and his push to distribute Bibles in schools highlights the ongoing debate over the role of religion in public education. While some argue that the Bible has a place in the classroom, others believe that it is a violation of the separation of church and state.
FAQs
* What is the purpose of the Bible distribution initiative?
The initiative aims to distribute $59.99 leather-bound “God Bless the USA” Bibles to students in grades 5 through 12.
* Who is partnering with Oklahoma’s education chief to promote the initiative?
Lee Greenwood, a country music singer, is partnering with Oklahoma’s education chief to promote the initiative.
* How much did the legislative panel reject for funding the initiative?
The legislative panel rejected a $3 million request to fund the initiative.
* What is the reaction from Governor Kevin Stitt on the initiative?
Governor Kevin Stitt has expressed skepticism, stating that most kids already have access to the Bible through a free app created by an Oklahoma pastor.
