3/29/2025

Once thing you can do today... voice your opinion on how religion is taught in schools, ensuring that all students' beliefs and backgrounds are respected.

Source: NBC News

What Happened?

Oklahoma’s Superintendent of Public Education, Ryan Walters, has been pushing for stronger religious influence in public schools. His efforts include approving the first religious virtual public charter school, placing Bibles in schools, and incorporating more Christian themes into the curriculum. These actions have led to legal battles, including a case now before the U.S. Supreme Court that could reshape how the First Amendment applies to religion in schools.

Why It Matters

This case could set a national precedent on whether public tax dollars can fund religious schools. A Supreme Court ruling in favor of Walters could weaken the long-held interpretation of the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause (which prevents government endorsement of religion) in favor of the Free Exercise Clause (which protects religious expression). This could lead to more religious-based public institutions and policies across the U.S.

Who It Affects

• Students and Parents: Changes in curriculum and school funding impacts both religious and non-religious families.
• Teachers: Educators might be required to navigate religious content in their teaching materials.
• Taxpayers: Public funds could be redirected to religious institutions, affecting public school budgets.
• Religious and Non-Religious Communities: Different groups may feel that their rights are either being upheld or violated.

Why Your Voice Matters

The Supreme Court’s decision will impact national policy, potentially changing the role of religion in publicly funded education. Your stance can help shape policies that align with your beliefs on religious freedom and government involvement in religion.

Why You Should Care

• Separation of Church and State: A ruling in favor of religious charter schools could blur the lines between government and religion.
• Public School Funding: Public money being allocated to religious schools could reduce resources for traditional public schools.
• Religious Freedom: Depending on the ruling, some may feel their religious rights are strengthened, while others may feel theirs are threatened.

What You Can Do

For Those Who Support Walters' Actions

• Contact your senators to advocate for religious education funding.
• Donate to organizations that support religious liberty in schools, such as the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty.
• Write to your state education board to support religious curriculum initiatives.

For Those Who Oppose Walters' Actions

• Contact your representatives to express opposition to state-funded religious schools.
• Support organizations advocating for church-state separation, such as Americans United for Separation of Church and State.
• Attend local school board meetings to voice concerns about religious influence in public schools. To find local board meeting information, simply search "school board meetings in my area."