Oklahoma’s leading education official, State Superintendent Ryan Walters, is launching a campaign to gather donations for leather-bound “God Bless the USA” Bibles priced at $59.99, aiming to distribute them in schools across the state. This initiative comes after a legislative committee turned down his $3 million funding request for the project.
Walters has joined forces with country music star Lee Greenwood, who is well-known for his patriotic anthem. Together, they want to ensure these Bibles reach students, a cause that has gained the endorsement of former President Donald Trump. Walters argues that the Bible plays a crucial role in teaching about Western civilization, American history, and the values that form the backbone of the nation. He insists that any efforts to erase the Bible from classrooms represent a direct assault on America’s foundational principles.
Moreover, Walters has sought to compel public schools to integrate Bible study into their curricula for students from grades 5 through 12. This push has, however, met resistance and even a lawsuit from various public school parents and educators, leading many institutions to outright disregard the mandate.
This action is part of a broader pattern observed in politically conservative states, where there is a growing emphasis on bringing religious teachings back into public schools. For instance, Louisiana has mandated that the Ten Commandments be displayed in classrooms, while other states are under pressure to incorporate biblical teachings into their educational frameworks.
Walters, who took office in 2022 as a former public school teacher, champions a platform that actively opposes what he terms “woke ideology.” He has made it his mission to remove books he views as inappropriate from school libraries and aims to eliminate leftist influences he believes are indoctrinating students.
Despite his efforts, even some members within his own party are showing signs of frustration with his confrontational style. Recently, Governor Kevin Stitt dismissed Walters’ $3 million funding proposal and also opposed his idea to collect immigration status from students. When asked about the Bible initiative, Stitt referred to a free Bible app created by an Oklahoma pastor, suggesting that students likely already have access to biblical teachings through technology.
As the conversation surrounding education and the role of religion in schools continues, Walters remains committed to his cause, emphasizing the importance of the Bible in shaping the moral fabric of American society.
