On October 15, Lindel Fields, the new Oklahoma state schools Superintendent, announced the termination of a Bible-teaching mandate that had been established by his predecessor, Ryan Walters. The decision comes as the Oklahoma Supreme Court imposed a deadline of October 28 for Fields to either uphold or withdraw the mandate, which aimed to integrate Bible teachings into public school classrooms.
Background of the Mandate
Ryan Walters, who resigned from his position on September 30, had pushed for a controversial program to distribute Bibles in schools. This initiative received significant attention and led to ongoing legal challenges.
Legal Context and Lawsuit
- The lawsuit, known as Walke v. Walters, was filed by over 30 Oklahomans against Walters, the Oklahoma State Department of Education, and other agencies.
- The plaintiffs contested the use of public funds for purchasing Bibles and questioned the constitutional validity of promoting religious teachings in public schools.
- Since the lawsuit began, numerous state officials involved have left their positions, leading the court to note considerable turnover among public officers.
Response from New Superintendent
In light of the legal challenges, Fields stated that he plans to file a motion to dismiss the mandate and has no intentions of distributing Bibles or adopting a Bible-based character education curriculum in Oklahoma schools. Fields emphasized that the timing is propitious as his team reviews the state education budget for potential reallocations of resources.
Reactions from Advocacy Groups
Alex Luchenitser, an attorney associated with civil rights groups representing the plaintiffs, welcomed Fields’ decision. He reaffirmed the importance of maintaining the separation of church and state, ensuring that educational settings remain free from political interference regarding religious matters.
Moving Forward
Following Fields’ announcement, the Oklahoma State Department of Education is committed to addressing the remaining legal issues expeditiously. The agency spokesperson, Tara Thompson, expressed optimism about resolving the legal disputes while also aiming to minimize the fiscal impact on taxpayers.
The developments surrounding this Bible mandate reflect a pivotal moment in Oklahoma’s education policy. As the new administration steps in, the focus shifts towards creating an inclusive educational environment that adheres to constitutional guidelines.
