ryan walters
Oklahoma education head Ryan Walters is named in the lawsuit.

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?

6 comments

  1. Dylan Tuatha Le Danaan's Avatar Dylan Tuatha Le Danaan

    I believe it was Thomas Paine who said there should be a separation of church and state to keep America from coming apart with wars as Europe and the Middle East had done. So no the United States was not founded as a Christian country.

  1. Marylyn (Pepper) Montague's Avatar Marylyn (Pepper) Montague

    Have they forgotten that many of our ancestors came to America so they could freely practice their religion? Do they think the real God is the one that gets the most followers?

  1. Donald J Rothschild Jr's Avatar Donald J Rothschild Jr

    Amazing that a state school superintendent has no idea on the history and founding of this country. Just look at the founding documents. Do you see the word God of Jesus in the US Constitution? NO. While many of the founders had a background in some sect of Christianity, many did so only because it was necessary. Many were Deists. Jefferson even removed any mention of miracles or supernatural wordings from the Bible and created the Jefferson Bible. And the quote that Paula posted is from the US Treaty with Tripoli.

  1. Reverend Paula Copp's Avatar Reverend Paula Copp

    America is not now, nor has it ever been, a “christian” nation! The founders were very clear on that. If we allow christianity into the public schools, then we are allowing a key component of the foundation of this country to crumble. Religion does NOT belong in public schools.

  1. Michael Arthur Lueras's Avatar Michael Arthur Lueras

    "Let there be no compulsion used in Religion..." (Quran 2:256) This Infidel from Oklahoma Ryan Walters is trying to FORCE his Religious beliefs on others and he wants to use State power to do it. What Ryan Walters wants to do is ILLEGAL under The Constitution of The U.S.A. which DEMANDS a SEPARATION of The Church (any Church) and The State (any State). What Ryan Walters wants to do in Oklahoma is a REPUDIATION of what Jesus said regarding this issue 2000 years ago: "Render unto Caesar what is his and unto God what is His." (Jesus in Mark 21:16) The Concept of a SEPARATION between Religion and Government was not invented by The Founding Fathers (most of whom were Racists and/or Slave Owners) but instead by Jesus who was HIGHLY PRAISED by Allah in The Quran: "...he will be highly honored in this world and in Heaven and he will be among those favored by God..." (Quran 3:45-49) But Ryan Walters will find out in this world and in The After Life what Allah thinks about those who try to force their Religious Beliefs on others: "I will fill Hell with jinn and humans all - a multitude from every community." (Quran 11:119) Amen?

  1. John P Maher's Avatar John P Maher

    SUE THE CREEP TILL HIS EYEBALLS FALL OUT THEN STEP ON THEM, MAYBE THEN HE WILL UNDERSTAND< WHAT F<

Leave a Comment

When leaving your comment, please:

  • Be respectful and constructive
  • Criticize ideas, not people
  • Avoid profanity, insults, and derogatory comments

To view the full code of conduct governing these comment sections, please visit this page.

Not ordained yet? Hit the button below to get started. Once ordained, log in to your account to leave a comment!
Don't have an account yet? Create Account