PETA Fights for ‘Ten Vegan Commandments’ in Oklahoma Classrooms in Response to Bill

A photo of the PETA's billboard to honor those cows injured or killed after a cattle truck rolled over on the interstate in Tulsa, reading: “See the Individual. Go Vegan.” Provided by PETA on January 19, 2021.

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) wants Oklahoma classrooms to display the group’s Ten Vegan Commandments.

The organization says it is in response to a bill filed by Oklahoma State Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, that would require the Ten Commandments in all classrooms in the state.

PETA sent Rep. Olsen a letter proposing that he file similar legislation to request that public schools display their own version of the Commandments, which encourages people to “lead moral, principled lives and practice nonviolence by ditching meat, eggs, and dairy and otherwise refraining from exploiting or mistreating individuals of any species.”

“The unnecessary violence inflicted on the billions of animals tormented and slaughtered every year in archaic experiments and for food, clothing, and entertainment depends on a simple lack of empathy for others who may appear different from us but nonetheless share humans’ interest in enjoying life without experiencing undue fear, pain, or violence,” writes PETA President Ingrid Newkirk. “Displaying PETA’s Ten Vegan Commandments in public schools would be a simple way to promote peace, understanding, empathy, and compassion.”

The Ten Vegan Commandments include principles like “Thou shalt always come to the aid of an animal in need”.

Read PETA’s full letter to Rep. Jim Olsen here:

Dear Mr. Olsen:

I’m writing on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals—PETA entities have more than 9 million members and supporters globally, including thousands in Oklahoma—with a request: Having filed House Bill 2962, would you also consider filing a bill to request that all public schools display the “Ten Vegan Commandments,” an ethical set of principles designed to encourage individuals from all backgrounds to practice nonviolence and lead moral, principled lives? Please allow me to elaborate.

While many of us were raised to believe that slaughtering animals for food or clothing is somehow acceptable, when we reflect, we can come to the realization that none of this violence is necessary and that all killing is reprehensible. Genesis 1:29 teaches us that Eden was vegan and that humans flourished in harmony with animals. Surely, God created us to be caretakers, not killers. As you have said, “None of us would like to be killed,” and we believe that extends to all species—sentient individuals who experience pleasure, loneliness, grief, and fear yet are subjected to horrific abuse and slaughter at human hands.

The Ten Vegan Commandments—which include principles such as “Thou shalt always come to the aid of an animal in need”—would instill good values in today’s students. At a time when Oklahoma ranks 50th out of 50 in a study of state school systems, partially based on an assessment of the rate of violence or disciplinary actions, fostering empathy in young people for all those we share the planet with would really pay off as they grow up in a diverse society. The unnecessary violence inflicted on the billions of animals tormented and slaughtered every year for food, clothing, and entertainment depends on a simple lack of empathy for others who may appear different from us but nonetheless share our interest in enjoying life without experiencing undue fear, pain, or violence.

Prominently displaying these principles in all public schools would be a simple way to promote peace, understanding, empathy, and compassion. We’d love to work with you to make this happen. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Very truly yours,

Ingrid Newkirk