In a significant development for education and religious liberty in the United States, the Oklahoma Supreme Court has thrown out a legal challenge against a mandate that would have required Bible teachings in public school classrooms. The court's decision came after state education officials confirmed they would not enforce the controversial directives issued by a former superintendent.
Court Declares Case Moot After Policy Rescinded
In a 6-2 decision released on Monday, the Oklahoma Supreme Court declared the lawsuit moot. This ruling was directly influenced by the current State Superintendent, Lindel Fields, and his department, who have formally nullified the 2024 mandates. These mandates were originally issued by Ryan Walters, the former state superintendent who resigned from his post earlier this year.
The now-rescinded orders, issued in June and July of 2024, had demanded that all Oklahoma schools incorporate the Bible into their curriculum for students in grades 5 through 12. Walters had justified the directive by stating, "The Bible is one of the most historically significant books and a cornerstone of Western civilization." His order argued it should be referenced in studies of history, civilisation, and ethics.
Legal Challenge and Community Response
The lawsuit was initially filed in October 2024 by more than two dozen Oklahoma residents. They argued that forcing public schools to teach the Bible was a clear violation of the state constitution's prohibition against a state-established religion. The plaintiffs were represented by a coalition of prominent legal organisations, including Americans United for Separation of Church and State and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
In a joint statement, the attorneys for the residents praised the outcome. "We are pleased that Superintendent Fields abandoned former Superintendent Walters’ attempts to incorporate the Bible into the public-school curriculum," they said. They added that the court's order confirms that families, not politicians, will decide how to engage with religious texts.
Official Statements and Future Implications
A spokesperson for the Oklahoma State Department of Education stated that the court "correctly determined the issues are moot." The department reiterated that the directives have been rescinded and that there are no plans to use state funds to purchase Bibles or related materials. However, the spokesperson noted that "Bibles are already available in most Oklahoma schools," leaving access to these resources unchanged.
With the policy officially overturned and the lawsuit dismissed, the immediate legal conflict has been resolved. The focus now shifts to the upcoming November 2026 general election, where Oklahoma residents will vote for their next state superintendent, a race that will undoubtedly continue to shape the debate over religion and education in the state.
