Concerned Parent Sues State Superintendent Over Bible Mandate in Schools
KOKH - July 30, 2024 6:12 am
MAYES COUNTY, OKLA. (KOKH) — A parent and resident in Mayes County is suing State Superintendent Ryan Walters over his Bible mandate.
Joseph Loren Price filed the lawsuit in Mayes County Court on June 27, the same day Walters announced schools would be required to use the Bible as instructional material in the classroom.
Price claims the mandate violates the First Amendment, and is concerned it violates the constitutional separation of church and state, infringes on religious freedom, and imposes religious beliefs on public school students.
The lawsuit asks the court to issue a preliminary and permanent injunction to prevent Walters from implementing and enforcing the policy.
It also seeks $250,000 in damages and other costs associated with the lawsuit.
On July 26, Walters and the Oklahoma State Department of Education filed a motion to have the case moved from State District Court to Federal Court.
