Oklahoma’s Education Superintendent, Ryan Walters, is facing scrutiny over the state’s newly mandated Bible selection process for classrooms. A report indicates that the criteria outlined in the request for proposal (RFP) are so restrictive that virtually no Bibles qualify—except those endorsed by former President Donald Trump.
According to The Oklahoman, the specifications require a Bible to be bound in leather or a similar material, include the Pledge of Allegiance, the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, and must be the New King James Version. This leaves very few options on the market.
Colleen McCarty, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Appleseed Center for Law and Justice, expressed concern, stating, “The RFP seems fair at first glance, but a closer look reveals that nearly all qualifying Bibles have been endorsed by Donald Trump.”
A spokesperson from Walters’ office commented on the ongoing bidding process, saying, “It would be inappropriate to comment while bids are being placed.” They emphasized the intent to introduce the Bible in its historical and literary context to Oklahoma classrooms, asserting that the RFP process would be open and competitive.
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However, a representative from Mardel Christian & Education reported that none of the 2,900 Bibles in their inventory meet the state’s criteria. The only two Bibles that do qualify are Trump’s endorsed versions—the We The People Bible and the God Bless the U.S.A. Bible, priced at $90 and $60, respectively.
Walters has requested $3 million to purchase 55,000 copies of these Bibles for schools. Yet, former state Attorney General Drew Edmondson raised legal concerns about the selection process, arguing, “This bid appears anything but competitive. The additional requirements seem designed to exclude most bidders. If the specifications unnecessarily limit competition, that could be a legal violation.”
Earlier this year, Walters mandated that schools incorporate the Bible into public lesson plans, requiring a Bible in every classroom and lessons emphasizing its historical context and literary significance.
While Walters insists that schools will comply, some local superintendents have pledged to disregard the mandate, stating they will continue to focus on Oklahoma’s academic standards despite pressure from the state. One superintendent remarked, “Just keep doing what you’re doing. Don’t worry about what’s being said at the state level.”
