Parents Sue Oklahoma Over Christian Education Standards

Oklahoma parents are suing the state, alleging that new classroom standards pushed by State Superintendent Ryan Walters are little more than Christian indoctrination wrapped in a civics lesson.

You may recall that last year, Walters led a sweeping overhaul of K–12 education, mandating curriculum changes that inject Christian theology directly into public school classrooms. Walters argued that America is a Christian nation, that the Founding Fathers were heavily influenced by Christianity when drafting the Constitution, and that Christianity and the United States are inextricably intertwined. Walters even sought $6 million in state funding to put so-called “Trump Bibles” in every classroom in the state.

Now, a group of more than three dozen parents is pushing back, hoping to stop the new standards before they’re implemented this fall.

What Are the New Education Standards?

The updated standards place a heavy emphasis on Christianity’s role in shaping American law and culture. At points, it veers into teaching Christian theology itself, critics say.

For example, per the new education requirements, second graders will learn to “identify stories from Christianity that influenced the American colonists, Founders, and culture, including the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth (e.g.,the ‘Golden Rule,’ the Sermon on the Mount).”

Eighth graders will have to “evaluate the role of Judeo-Christian ideals in supporting colonial demands for independence, as exemplified by the Bible being a frequently cited authority by America's Founders.”

And high schoolers will have to “describe how the Constitution of the United States was influenced by religion, morality, and the Bible as frequently cited authority by America's founders.”

Walters argues that understanding Christianity is necessary to understanding America itself. But some parents say he’s simply going too far.

Parents Push Back

The families fighting back say they aren't comfortable with theological undercurrents in their children's public education, and that they should have control over the topic – not the state. 

“Oklahoma families, not politicians or public schools, should decide if, when and how children engage with religion,” reads a press release from Americans United for Separation of Church and State, a religious freedom advocacy organization offering legal assistance to the parents pursuing legal action against Oklahoma. “If implemented, these new social studies standards will violate students’ and families’ religious freedom by promoting Christianity and advancing Christian Nationalist disinformation. Not on our watch.”

The lead plaintiff in the case, Rev. Dr. Mitch Randall, a Baptist minister and member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, says the situation feels all too familiar. “It’s a painful reminder of the forced religious proselytization my family members experienced in Native American boarding schools in Oklahoma,” he stated. “I urge the court to protect religious freedom for all Oklahomans and prevent implementation of these new standards.”

What’s Next?

These standards are set to roll out statewide this fall. That is, unless a judge steps in – which is what the plaintiffs in the lawsuit are aiming for.

At the heart of the lawsuit is a pressing constitutional question: Is a robust education on Christian ethics, history, and theology necessary for a well-rounded education on American history? And is this an earnest attempt to provide historical context for Christianity’s influence on America… or a Christian nationalist Trojan horse sneaking proselytization into public schools?

The courtroom may ultimately decide, but the public debate is already here. Where do you stand?