Ryan Walters on national Bible in schools' mandate: ‘You have to have it in the classrooms'

Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters did not reject the idea of a national mandate to require Bibles in schools on Tuesday night when asked if he would implement the policy if selected as the next education secretary.  

“Look, I believe that if you're teaching American history, the Bible absolutely has to be included. And we cannot allow left-wing activists to sit here and say we don't like Christianity,” Walters said on NewsNation's "The Hill" after he was asked by host Blake Burman, due to speculation President-elect Trump could select him to lead the Department of Education. 

When pressed on whether he would mandate the Bible in schools nationwide, Walters responded, “You have to have it in the classrooms. We will ensure that history is taught in every class. That means kids will know American exceptionalism.” 

“That means kids will know the role that faith played. We will be unapologetic about that here in Oklahoma. We want to make sure that every student knows the role that the Bible played in American history,” he added.  

Walters has gained national attention due to his mandate in Oklahoma requiring the Bible in all public school classrooms and teachers must incorporate lessons about how the Bible impacts American history and culture.  

Walters was sued in October over the policy by more than 30 educators, parents and those invested in public education, arguing it is unconstitutional.  

Walters refuses to comment on if he has been in conversations with Trump about the education secretary position, but has been highly supportive of the president-elect's win.  

He recently announced the creation of a state advisory committee focused on helping Oklahoma effectively implement any federal education changes Trump makes once he is in office.  

Walters has also made clear he supports Trump’s plan to eliminate the Department of Education. 

“It would be unbelievable. I mean, President Trump has laid out the best plan for education of any presidential candidates, the boldest, most aggressive, most conservative. This is the reform we need. You do away with the Federal Department of Education. What you no longer have is this overreach and this left-wing drive to push states toward an agenda,” the state superintendent said on NewsNation.  

NewsNation is owned by NexstarMediaGroup which also owns The Hill.