Thirty-Three Plaintiffs Challenge New K-12 Standards
Thirty-three Oklahomans, including parents, children, teachers, and faith leaders, have filed a lawsuit urging the Oklahoma Supreme Court seeking to block the implementation of new K-12 social studies standards in public schools. The plaintiffs argue that the standards, set to take effect in the 2025-26 school year, allegedly promote Christianity in public schools and violate state law.
The lawsuit seeks an injunction to prevent the standards from becoming implemented before the 2025-26 school year. Plaintiffs contend that immediate action is necessary to protect students’ rights and maintain the separation of church and state in Oklahoma’s public schools.
The lawsuit claims that the new standards contain numerous references to the Bible and Christianity, and that they present Bible stories as historical fact. According to the plaintiffs, these provisions favor Christianity over other faiths, raising concerns about religious neutrality in public education.
Legal Arguments: Constitutional and Procedural Violations
The plaintiffs, represented by Americans United for Separation of Church and State and Oklahoma Appleseed Center for Law and Justice, argue that the standards violate the Oklahoma Constitution, which prohibits the use of public funds or property to support any religion. The lawsuit also alleges violations of the Oklahoma Open Meeting Act, claiming that the process for adopting the standards lacked transparency and proper public input.
Broader Implications for Church-State Separation
This lawsuit is the latest in a series of legal challenges across the United States addressing the role of religion in public education. Advocates for church-state separation argue that public schools must remain neutral on matters of faith, while supporters of the new standards claim they reflect the historical influence of Christianity on American society.
