Although Ryan Walters is fading further into right-wing think-tank oblivion, the effort to force – or perhaps sneak – the Bible into classrooms is still going strong at the Oklahoma Capitol.
Last week, State Senator Jerry Alvord – a rising right-wing rancher from Wilson – filed SB 1422.
Dubbed the “Let’s Continue to Force Religion on Kids Indoctrination Act,” the bill would require every Oklahoma public school district to adopt an official prayer policy and carve out time each school day for “voluntary,” state-sanctioned Bible reading.
If that sounds like a very targeted attack on freedom of (and from) religion that promotes one brand of beliefs over another, it is, but don’t worry – they’re going to let other religions participate, too.
Here’s a snippet from the bill:
SECTION 1. AMENDATORY 70 O.S. 2021, Section 11-101.1, is amended to read as follows:
A. The board of education of each public school district and the governing body of each public charter school shall permit those students and employees who wish to do so to participate in voluntary prayer.
B. The board of education of each public school district and the governing body of each public charter school shall adopt a policy requiring that students and employees be given an opportunity to participate in a period of prayer and reading of the Bible or other religious text during each school day.