OKLAHOMA CITY – House Democrats advise Oklahoma school districts to continue following Oklahoma Statutes that outline subject matter standards and reiterate that revisions are subject to legislative review before implementation as written in 70 O.S. § 11-103.6a-1 (OSCN 2024).

This reminder comes after the State Superintendent sent out mandatory guidelines for Oklahoma public schools on Bible usage in classrooms.

“Following the new guidelines from the State Superintendent of Education, I advise school districts to carefully review and follow existing state law when it comes to religious instruction in schools,” said Rep. Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa. “The Oklahoma Constitution is very clear on what is allowed when it comes to public education. Every family is different, and religious instruction should begin with and remain in the rightful hands of parents and guardians.”

House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, says protection of public schools and religious liberty is of the utmost importance.

“The State Superintendent continues to feel emboldened enough to make mandates he has no authority to implement,” Leader Munson said. “This is because the Republican Supermajority refuses to hold him accountable. The State Superintendent says it is Democrats that do not want these changes, but we know from actively engaging with our constituents that this Bible mandate in public schools is something both Democrats and Republicans are adamantly against. This is nothing more than an attempt to strip Oklahomans of their religious freedom. The State Superintendent can say this Bible mandate is not for religious purposes all he wants, but his unlawful, unfunded mandate and clear disregard for the legislative process says otherwise.”

The State Superintendent sent out the guidelines on Bible usage in classrooms after several school districts issued statements saying they would not comply with his Bible mandate.

House Rep. Trish Ranson, D-Stillwater, says teachers and school districts should feel supported by the Oklahoma Department of Education.

“The State Superintendent refuses to follow the law to push his own religious and political agenda,” Ranson said. “He should be collaborating and coordinating with districts, schoolteachers, and students. Instead, he has left them feeling unsupported and fearful for the state of education in Oklahoma.”