Challenging the Oklahoma Bible Mandate—A Fight for Religious Freedom and Educational Integrity

In 2024, Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters issued a mandate requiring the inclusion of the Bible in the curriculum of public schools across the state. As a Cherokee Nation Tribal Citizen and a parent, I, Joseph Price, took action by filing a lawsuit against the State of Oklahoma and Superintendent Walters. This blog post outlines the legal and cultural significance of this case, the arguments and documents filed, the current status as of August 14th, 2024, and how you can help support this critical fight for religious freedom and the preservation of educational integrity in Oklahoma.

The Origins of the Bible Mandate

Superintendent Walters’ mandate, announced in mid-2024, requires all public schools in Oklahoma to incorporate the Bible into their curriculums, specifically in subjects like social studies and English language arts. The mandate stipulates that the Bible be used as "instructional support" across grades 5 through 12. This directive has sparked significant controversy, not only for its potential violation of the constitutional separation of church and state but also for the manner in which it was issued—without proper legislative oversight or adherence to the Oklahoma Administrative Procedures Act (APA).

Legal Grounds for the Lawsuit

The lawsuit I filed against the State of Oklahoma and Ryan Walters is grounded in several key legal and constitutional arguments:

1. Violation of the Oklahoma Constitution:

   • Article II, Section 5 of the Oklahoma Constitution prohibits the use of public funds or property to benefit any religious institution. By mandating the inclusion of the Bible in public school curriculums, the state is endorsing a specific religious text, which constitutes a breach of the constitutional separation of church and state.

     
     

2. Procedural Violations Under the APA:

   • Walters issued the Bible mandate unilaterally, bypassing the required procedures under the Oklahoma Administrative Procedures Act (APA). This act requires that any significant policy changes, such as curriculum mandates, be authorized by law and approved by the Oklahoma State Board of Education. Walters’ failure to follow these legal procedures renders the mandate legally invalid.

     
     

3. Cultural and Historical Implications:

   • As a member of the Cherokee Nation, I draw a painful parallel between this mandate and the historical injustices suffered by Native American communities through forced religious assimilation in boarding schools. The imposition of a specific religious curriculum in public schools today threatens to revive those oppressive practices, infringing on the rights of Native American families and all Oklahomans who value cultural and religious diversity.

     
     

Documents Filed and Current Status

Since the lawsuit was initiated, several key documents have been filed:

• Complaint: Filed in the Mayes County District Court, this document outlines the constitutional and procedural violations associated with the Bible mandate.

  
  

• Motion to Remand: After the case was removed to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, I filed a motion to remand it back to state court. This motion argues that the case, which involves critical issues of state law, should be adjudicated in the Oklahoma state courts where these matters can be most effectively litigated.

  
  

• Response to Motion to Dismiss: The defendants have filed a motion to dismiss the case. In response, I am preparing a detailed argument that emphasizes the clear constitutional violations, the improper procedural actions, and the personal harm suffered as a result of the mandate.

  
  

As of now, the case remains under consideration in the federal court, with ongoing efforts to return it to state jurisdiction.

How You Can Help

This fight is not just mine; it’s a battle for the rights of all Oklahomans who believe in the separation of church and state and the importance of maintaining educational integrity. Here’s how you can get involved:

1. Provide Written Testimonials:

   • Share your thoughts and experiences on how this mandate affects you, your family, or your community. Your testimonials can be powerful in demonstrating widespread opposition to the mandate.

     
     

2. Sign the Online Petition:

   • A petition has been launched on this website to gather signatures from concerned citizens. By signing, you can add your voice to the growing number of Oklahomans who oppose the state’s overreach in public education.

     
     

3. Be Vocal:

   • Spread the word about this issue. Whether through social media, community meetings, or conversations with friends and family, raising awareness is crucial in building momentum against the mandate.

     
     

4. Contribute to the Legal Claim:

   • Legal battles require resources. Donations to support the legal expenses associated with this case are greatly appreciated. Every contribution helps in the fight to protect our constitutional rights and ensure that no single religious viewpoint is imposed on our public education system.

     
     

5. Appeal to Tribal Nations for Support:

   • I am calling on Tribal Nations to stand with us in this fight. The history of forced religious assimilation through boarding schools is a painful chapter in Native American history. This mandate echoes those past injustices, and it is vital that we unite to protect our cultural and religious heritage. Tribal Nations can support this effort by filing Amicus Briefs that highlight the historical and cultural significance of this issue. Additionally, Tribal Nations are encouraged to be vocal advocates, joining the public discourse and ensuring that our voices are heard in opposition to this mandate.

     
     

This lawsuit is about more than just a single mandate; it’s about protecting the fundamental principles of religious freedom and the separation of church and state. It’s also about preserving the integrity of our public education system, ensuring that it remains inclusive and respectful of all cultural and religious backgrounds. I urge you to stand with me in this fight, for the sake of our children and the future of our state.

Thank you for your support.

Joseph Price