The Oklahoma State Department of Education has opened bids for a controversial contract to supply 55,000 Bibles to schools, with specifications that have raised eyebrows among critics. Superintendent Ryan Walters is advocating for the purchase of King James Version Bibles, stating that these should include the Old and New Testaments, along with foundational documents such as the Pledge of Allegiance, Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. The Bibles must also be bound in leather or leather-like material.
Interestingly, the only Bibles readily fitting these parameters are the God Bless the U.S.A. Bible and the We The People Bible, both endorsed by former President Donald Trump. The God Bless the U.S.A. Bible retails for around $60, while the We The People Bible is priced at $90. However, according to a salesperson at Mardel Christian & Education, none of the 2,900 Bibles they stock meet the state’s specifications, highlighting a significant limitation in the market.
Colleen McCarty, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Appleseed Center for Law and Justice, criticized the bid proposal, arguing that it unfairly narrows the options for potential vendors and may violate state law. “It adds to the basic specification other requirements that have nothing to do with the text,” she noted, suggesting that this could limit competition and undermine the integrity of the bidding process.
In addition to separation of church and state concerns, there are also more affordable alternatives available. For instance, paperback versions of the New King James Bible can be found online for as little as $2.99, a fraction of the cost of the Trump-endorsed versions. Moreover, there are numerous free Bible apps available, offering digital access to scripture without incurring any cost.
Walters has been vocal about wanting Bibles in every classroom, claiming they play a vital role in teaching American history. However, the request for 55,000 Bibles raises questions about practicality, as there are only 43,000 classroom teachers in the state, many of whom do not teach subjects directly related to the Bible.
In his fiscal year 2026 budget request, Walters asked for $3 million to purchase these Bibles. He explained that this funding would be sourced from payroll savings within the Department of Education, which has seen significant staff turnover since his tenure began in 2023. At least 130 personnel have resigned or been terminated under Walters’ leadership.
Despite his efforts to fast-track the procurement process, some superintendents have expressed resistance to implementing a mandatory Bible presence in their schools. Bixby Superintendent Rob Miller stated, “We will not be forcing our teachers to do this. The idea of diminishing the word of God to a mere classroom prop is a little repulsive to me.”
Walters has actively promoted his initiative in conservative circles, suggesting that it is a response to perceived threats from leftist groups aiming to undermine traditional values. His rhetoric includes claims that the Bible will counteract what he characterizes as an agenda to instill hatred for Christianity and the country among students.
However, some observers speculate that Walters’ actions are also politically motivated, seeking to align himself with Trump ahead of the upcoming election. Alicia Andrews, Chair of the Oklahoma Democratic Party, criticized the specificity of the RFP, implying that it serves as a signal to Trump of Walters’ loyalty. “For Walters to craft this RFP, to specifically identify this Bible… is either a dereliction of duty or a signal to former President Trump: ‘Hey, hey, I’m on your team, sir,’” she remarked.
As the bidding process unfolds, the decision to purchase Bibles for classrooms remains a contentious issue, intertwining educational policy with political motives and religious considerations.
