### Oklahoma's New Schools Chief Reverses Controversial Bible Curriculum Mandate - In a significant policy shift, Lindel Fields, the newly appointed superintendent of Oklahoma public schools, has announced the rescinding of a controversial mandate that required schools to incorporate the Bible into their lesson plans and place Bibles in classrooms. This decision marks a departure from the policies of his predecessor, Ryan Walters, who had implemented the mandate amid national debate over the role of religion in public education. Fields stated he has "no plans to distribute Bibles or a biblical character education curriculum in classrooms" [https://www.msnbc.com/top-stories/latest/oklahoma-bible-schools-ryan-walters-lindel-fields-rcna237994]. ### Structure of the Response 1. **Background of the Mandate** - The mandate was introduced by former Superintendent Ryan Walters and faced immediate backlash from civil rights groups and legal challenges from parents and educators [https://apnews.com/article/oklahoma-schools-bible-mandate-superintendent-630b2f706731224a070d7fef6a35b7d8]. 2. **Fields' Announcement** - Lindel Fields, appointed by Governor Kevin Stitt, publicly announced the reversal of the mandate, emphasizing a commitment to secular education [https://www.nbcnews.com/news/education/new-oklahoma-schools-superintendent-rescinds-mandate-bible-instruction-rcna237907]. 3. **Public Reaction and Implications** - The decision has reignited discussions about the separation of church and state in public education, reflecting broader national debates on the issue [https://www.newsweek.com/bible-mandate-in-public-schools-walked-back-in-oklahoma-10887003]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Key Points of the Mandate Reversal:** - **Immediate Rescission**: Fields rescinded the mandate on October 15, 2025, just days after taking office [https://www.cbsnews.com/news/oklahoma-schools-superintendent-rescinds-order-bible-classrooms]. - **Legal Challenges**: The original mandate had prompted lawsuits from various groups, indicating significant opposition to the policy [https://apnews.com/article/oklahoma-schools-bible-mandate-superintendent-630b2f706731224a070d7fef6a35b7d8]. - **Public Sentiment**: The reversal has been welcomed by many who advocate for the separation of church and state in educational settings [https://www.tampafp.com/new-oklahoma-schools-chief-rescinds-bible-mandate]. ### Summary of Findings 1. **Policy Shift**: Lindel Fields has rescinded the controversial Bible curriculum mandate initiated by his predecessor, Ryan Walters, signaling a move towards a more secular educational framework in Oklahoma public schools. 2. **Legal and Social Context**: The original mandate faced significant opposition, including lawsuits and public outcry, highlighting the contentious nature of religious instruction in public education. 3. **Future Implications**: Fields' decision may set a precedent for future educational policies in Oklahoma, potentially influencing the national conversation on the role of religion in public schools. In conclusion, the reversal of the Bible curriculum mandate by Oklahoma's new schools chief reflects a significant shift in educational policy, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a secular approach in public education [https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/national-international/oklahoma-schools-superintendent-rescinds-mandate-for-bible-instruction-schools/4286359].