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In Oklahoma, numerous school districts and teachers are opposing a new state law that requires public schools to incorporate the Bible and the Ten Commandments into their lesson plans and display them in classrooms.

Let’s bring you up to speed: Under the mandate of House Bill 2962, Oklahoma’s new law requires public schools to include the Bible and the Ten Commandments in their classrooms. Teachers must also integrate these texts into their curriculum, and each classroom must display physical copies of the Bible, the Ten Commandments, the US Constitution, and the Declaration of Independence.

Pushback: Despite the state’s efforts to enforce the new requirements, at least 14 school districts and numerous teachers across Oklahoma are resisting the mandate, arguing it violates the separation of church and state. A parent is also suing the state on similar grounds. One superintendent refusing to follow the mandate has said they’ve been advised to ignore the guidance as it violates federal law.

What the state is saying: Ryan Walters, the state superintendent of public instruction, said, “Oklahoma school districts are required by state law to teach the historical significance of the Bible. Superintendent Walters will hold teachers and administrators accountable. Rogue, left-wing activists who refuse can leave Oklahoma and go to California.”

What federal law indicates: The separation of church and state is a constitutional principle derived from the First Amendment of the US Constitution, which prohibits the government from establishing a religion or favoring one religion over another. Federal law ensures that public institutions, including schools, remain neutral in religious matters, preventing the endorsement or promotion of religious beliefs.