By Constitution Staff

The Oklahoma Freedom Caucus (OKFC), led by Sen. Shane Jett (R-Shawnee), Rep. Jim Olsen (R-Roland) and Sen. Dusty Deevers (R-Elgin) has thrown its support behind the Bible initiative in public schools proposed by Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters.

The OKFC applauded Walters’ initiative to ensure the availability of a Bible in public school classroom across the state. Walters announced he would include $3 million in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget request to fund the initiative.

The group said it stands on foundational conservative principals of limited government, personal accountability, constitutional authority, and preservation of those freedom given by God and not government. The legislators said no source or document was more quoted, provided more inspiration or guidance to our Founding Fathers in the formation of this Republican than the Holy Bible.

They said the Holy Bible is the singular most profound and influential work of literature in the English language. OKFC said its inclusion in public schools will elevate the quality of academic achievement by introducing students to exceptional prose, poetry and narratives that have shaped and inspired civilizations for millennia and played pivotal role in the formation of our Republic.

“The profound influence of the Bible on the American Founding Fathers and the formation of our nation is undeniable,” said Jett, who chairs the caucus. “Understanding its impact enhances our comprehension of how the Bible shaped the principles of the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution. Our American Constitutional Republic and the liberties it upholds stem from our Founding Fathers’ deep respect for and implementation of biblical principles. A fundamental grasp of the Bible’s role is essential for a complete understanding of American history.”

Speaking to the financial impact, Olsen, who serves as House vice chair of the caucus, said, “In light of a substantial $4.1 billion public education budget request, the allocation of $3 million represents a modest and reasonable investment in our students’ understanding of American history. This amount constitutes less than one-tenth of one percent of the state’s education budget, ensuring that it will have no real impact on vital budget items like school safety or teacher pay.”

Detractors have raised objections on various grounds, questioning the necessity of physical copies, asserting the availability of superior versions to the New King James Version (KJV) and stating that this violates the “separation of church and state.”

Deevers, a pastor who serves as Senate vice chair of the caucus, responded, “The New KJV is an excellent version suitable for the classroom. The New KJV is clear and is widely accepted as an easily readable translation of the KJV that was available to early Americans since its publication in 1611.” On “separation of church and state,” Deevers stated, “The phrase ‘separation of church and state’ is not found in the U.S. Constitution. Our Constitution guarantees the free exercise of religion.”

Deevers said those who object to Bibles in the classroom might find themselves more ideologically aligned with Karl Marx than Thomas Jefferson and pointed to the 1918 Constitution of the communist Soviet Union, which states “the church is separated from the state” and “the school is separated from the church.”

The OKFC is committed to preserving freedoms granted by our Creator and recognized in the U.S. Constitution. “We firmly believe that the Bible Initiative will significantly enhance the educational experience of Oklahoma students and further support our wonderful teachers,” the legislators said in a joint statement. “By exposing students to the wisdom, values and historical significance of the Bible, we will empower them to become informed, compassionate and responsible citizens.”