Another lawsuit targets controversial OSDE social studies standards

Another lawsuit has been brought against the state Department of Education attempting to halt implementation of the new social studies standards.

A group of parents, faith leaders and teachers brought the legal challenge, filed last week in the Oklahoma Supreme Court. They alleged the standards violate religious freedom by favoring and promoting Christianity and contain inaccuracies by presenting Bible stories as literal, historical facts and by including unfounded claims about the 2020 elections and the origins of COVID-19.

They also objected on procedural grounds and claimed the Oklahoma State Board of Education wasn’t properly notified the version they were voting on Feb. 27 had been changed from a prior version.

Those claims are similar to another lawsuit, which a judge in Oklahoma County District Court dismissed last month.

The new standards mention Christianity or the Bible more than 40 times. Students in second grade would be required to identify stories from Christianity that influenced the American Founders and culture, including the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth (e.g., the “Golden Rule,” the Sermon on the Mount.) Older students would learn the Judeo-Christian values that influenced America’s founders.

The plaintiffs include 12 parents of children who attend public schools, who object to the state imposing religion on their children through the new standards. Two of the parents are also teachers. Three of the plaintiffs are Christian clergy, one of whom is also a parent.

Oklahoma Watch (OklahomaWatch.org) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that covers public-policy issues facing the state.