In an interview with “Elizabeth Vargas Reports,” Rob Miller, the superintendent of Bixby Public Schools in Bixby, Okla., made it clear that the classrooms under his supervision will not be following suit.
Oklahoma State Superintendent, Joy Hofmeister, clarified that the intention is not to exclude the Bible or religion from schools, as they are already present. The aim is to safeguard the religious liberties of all students across all districts in Oklahoma.
Miller believes that Oklahoma’s academic standards already incorporate the study of religion in its historical and social context, as well as the examination of how faith has shaped governments.
According to Miller, the new mandates are going beyond state and federal standards, thereby enhancing the education provided.
According to Miller, the use of taxpayer dollars to purchase religious texts goes against the Oklahoma Constitution, which upholds the principle of separation of church and state outlined in the Blaine Amendment. He argues that this would be a clear violation of the constitutional provision that prohibits the use of public funds for religious purposes.
Ryan Walters, the superintendent of public instruction in Oklahoma, has recently provided guidelines for the implementation of the mandate. However, Miller expresses uncertainty regarding the expectations associated with these guidelines.
Miller, who identifies as a Christian, expresses his concern over the new guidelines, stating that he finds the notion of reducing the Word of God to a mere classroom prop quite repulsive.
Miller and Bixby’s public educators will commence the semester apart from the new standards.
According to Miller, the Oklahoma Supreme Court made it clear a few months ago that local boards of education have the power to select curricular resources for teachers. He emphasized that they will continue to teach the academic standards in the same manner as before.
According to NewsNation affiliate KFOR reporting on July 19, it appears that Miller may not be the only one. None of the school districts in Oklahoma have announced their intention to comply with Walters’ mandate.