(NewsNation) — Ryan Walters, the Oklahoma state superintendent of public instruction, says he won’t back down from trying to place Bibles in classrooms across his state.
Last year, Walters issued a mandate for schools to incorporate lessons on the Bible in grades 5 through 12. A variety of opponents filed a lawsuit, and state lawmakers declined to provide $3 million in funding for the initiative.
Walters has shifted to asking for donations to purchase the Bibles for schools and announced a partnership with country star Lee Greenwood, highlighting leather-bound “God Bless The USA” versions of the holy book selling for $59.99.
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He said the core legal issues may have to be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court.
“The Bible should be back in the classroom,” Walters told “The Hill” on Friday. “I listen to parents and grandparents. They understand the Bible is a foundational document, so we’re going to continue to move forward.”
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, a Republican, said many young people may already have a free Bible app on their phones.
