Oklahoma’s education system is embroiled in a heated debate following the state directive to incorporate the Bible into public school curricula. Norman Public Schools Superintendent Nick Migliorino has resolutely refused to comply with Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters’ mandate, sparking widespread discussion on educational standards and religious influence in schools.
Superintendent Stands Firm
Nick Migliorino made his position clear: “Norman Public Schools is not going to have Bibles in our classrooms, and we are not going to require our teachers to teach from the Bible.” His firm stance has garnered support from several Democratic officials, including State Representative Annie Menz and Representative Jared Deck. Menz praised the district for “putting kids first,” criticizing Walters for trying to “put the Bible in schools but take free lunches out.” Deck echoed these sentiments, denouncing Walters’ directive as “big government overreach” and an attempt to “socialize Christian Nationalism.”
In response, the Oklahoma State Department of Education labeled the lawmakers “anti-knowledge” and insisted that the Bible is foundational to American history and culture, deeming it “academic malpractice” not to include it. Walters argued that the Bible’s historical role necessitates its prominent use in public school curricula. Despite this, Migliorino emphasized that Norman Public Schools’ standards and curriculum are clear, and they will not deviate from them.
David Barton: Activism and Historical Claims
A significant figure in this debate is David Barton, a businessman known for his religious activism and controversial historical claims. Barton, who holds a bachelor’s degree in Christian education from Oral Roberts University, runs WallBuilders, an organization aiming to present America’s history through a biblical lens. He asserts that the Founding Fathers built the nation on Christian ideas, a claim widely disputed by historians.
Historian and Evangelical John Fea, Chair of Early America history at Messiah College, said about Barton in a past interview:
“He’s in this for activism. He’s in this for policy. He’s in this to make changes to our culture.”
David Barton is offering an alternative vision of American history which places God, the providence of God, Christianity, at the center.
“Many of the founders believed in something akin to separating church and state even though they didn’t use those terms. And in fact, most of the people in America were not regular churchgoers. So what is that great culture that we’re returning to?”
Barton’s influence extends to his advisory roles for state education boards, including the recent initiative to revise Oklahoma’s curriculum standards to incorporate more direct applications of the Bible. His assertions, such as the Constitution being filled with biblical references, have been thoroughly debunked by historians. Despite lacking formal historical training, Barton’s vision of a religion-infused America has gained popularity among conservative circles and political figures.
Parental and Community Reactions
Migliorino’s resistance to the Bible mandate has resonated with many parents and community members. At a recent Norman Public Schools Board of Education meeting, a parent thanked the superintendent for his stance, arguing that the mandate forces non-Christian students to learn a faith that may not align with their beliefs. This sentiment underscores the broader concern about religious freedom and the separation of church and state in public education.
Other districts, such as Moore Public Schools and Bixby Public Schools, have also opposed Walters’ mandate. Moore Public Schools Superintendent Robert Romines stated that while students learn about religion’s historical and cultural contexts, teaching specific religious doctrines is not part of their standards.
Oklahoma’s Educational Future
As the debate continues, Oklahoma’s educational landscape faces significant challenges. The clash between state directives and local district autonomy highlights the complexities of integrating religious texts into public education. The resistance from districts like Norman Public Schools indicates a broader pushback against perceived government overreach and the imposition of specific religious ideologies on diverse student populations.
Sources:
Norman public schools defies state mandate to teach the Bible
Multiple Oklahoma public schools take stand against Ryan Walters’ Bible mandate
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