Oklahomans React To Proposed Classroom Bible Budget

The State Board of Education introduced its budget for the next school year.

A big topic of conversation is the request for an additional $3 million to pay for Bibles in schools.

It’s on top of another $3 million already allocated for the Bibles.

News On 6 asked Oklahomans on social media what they thought of the money being spent on Bibles. We received thousands of comments, which are overwhelmingly against this.

State superintendent Ryan Walters presented his budget request for $4.1 billion for the 2026 school year.

Related: State Board Of Education Discusses Budget For Next School Year

Along with requests like extra money for school security and extra for paid maternity leave, he requested an additional $3 million for Bibles — totaling $6 million over a couple of years, to put a King James Version Bible in each Oklahoma classroom.

“I was speechless, $6 million for Bibles,” said Elizabeth Ridgway. “We have kids who can't read, kids not ready for college, kids who can't afford breakfast or lunch?”

Elizabeth Ridgway has 4 kids, two at Union Public Schools where she works. She says this is a waste of taxpayer dollars and should go toward teachers.

“They have Amazon Wish lists; they're struggling just to get parents to buy supplies.”

Walters said the Bible is strictly being put in classrooms because it's a foundational, historical document.

“In a state where we struggle to pay teachers a livable wage, extra money going toward Bibles, something banned in the Constitution, doesn't make sense.”

Sean Scotney agrees. He said he’s a Christian, Republican and veteran with 6 kids and thinks the Bible needs to be left for parents to teach at home.

“I really don't feel like it's the state's job to be mandating that to happen,” he said.

“We are focusing on the wrong things here in Oklahoma,” Ridgway said.

A few people said on social media they’re happy about it because they said the Bible is a foundational text for American history.

News On 6 also talked to some teachers concerned about properly teaching the Bible and said the King James version is very hard to read.

Others pointed out that the Bible is free online and on an app. 

The state legislature has the final say in approving this proposed budget.