Summary:

New state superintendent Lindel Fields will not distribute Bibles in schools

Fields plans to dismiss lawsuit defending Ryan Walters ‘ Bible mandate

Legal groups praise move as a return to church–state separation

Oklahoma’s new education chief said Wednesday he has “no plans to distribute Bibles” or a biblical curriculum in public schools, reversing course from his predecessor, Ryan Walters.

State Superintendent Lindel Fields, who was appointed to the position this month , indicated Wednesday he will not fight in court to defend Walters’ order that Oklahoma public schools teach from the Bible and keep a copy of it in every classroom .

A lawsuit, which 32 Oklahomans filed with the state Supreme Court last year , challenged the mandate and Walters’ attempt to pu

See Full Page